Calculating Tension in a Vertical Acceleration Problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the tension in a rope used to accelerate a car vertically upward. The subject area is dynamics, specifically focusing on forces and acceleration in the context of Newton's second law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the equation F=ma and the importance of understanding the components of forces acting on the car. There is mention of drawing a diagram to visualize the problem and labeling known quantities.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem by breaking it down into components, such as the weight of the car and the additional force required for upward acceleration. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, but there is no explicit consensus on the solution yet.

Contextual Notes

One participant expresses uncertainty about their calculations and the relevance of their findings, indicating a need for further clarification on the relationship between weight and tension in the rope.

roxysoxy14
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I have managed to get the worst teacher in the world for my AP Physics class. I was wondering how to do this problem:
How much tension must a rope withstand if it is used to accelerate a 1400 kg car vertically upward at 0.70 m/s2?
I really have no idea how to start it...:redface: But hopefully someone can give me a clue.

Merci!
 
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What does the equation F=ma mean to you? How would you apply it to this problem?
 
Always start by drawing a picture and labeling everything you know. Try to solve it and then we will discuss it.
 
In a PM to me you wrote:
roxysoxy14 said:
my teacher has talked about the equation F=ma. I've tried it and i get 980N. But I'm not sure what to do with that number. I've used my textbook to try and clarify it a bit. It hasn't helped...
How much does a 1700kg car weigh? That is the first component in the tension in the rope. The 2nd component is the extra acceleration of the car upward (over and above the acceleration of gravity g). How much extra force (F=ma) does it take to produce that acceleration of the car upwards? Now add the two components to get the total tension in the rope. And be sure to pay attention in your upcoming classes. This stuff is fundamental.
 

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