Determine the magnitude of the minimum acceleration

In summary, a 76-kg petty thief needs to find the minimum acceleration that the sheets tied together can support in order to escape from a third-story jail window. The makeshift rope can only support a mass of 58 kg. The equation T-mg=ma can be used, with tension as the upward force and mg (weight) as the downward force. The signs of the forces will depend on how the positive direction is defined, with a negative result expected if acceleration is defined upward. The mass of the sheets is not relevant, as it is the weight they can withstand that matters.
  • #1
tristanmagnum
44
0

Homework Statement



A 76-kg petty thief wants to escape from a third-story jail window. Unfortunately, a makeshift rope made of sheets tied together can support a mass of only 58 kg.Determine the magnitude of the minimum acceleration at which the thief can descend using the rope.

Homework Equations



i think T-mg=ma?

The Attempt at a Solution


i know tension would be the upward force and mg (weight) would be the upward force correct?
 
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  • #2
The signs are going to depend on how you define the positive direction. Your equation is fine if the aceleration a is defined upward (so expect a negative result).
 
  • #3
haruspex said:
The signs are going to depend on how you define the positive direction. Your equation is fine if the aceleration a is defined upward (so expect a negative result).

would i use the mass of the man or the mass that the sheet can with stand?
 
  • #4
tristanmagnum said:
would i use the mass of the man or the mass that the sheet can with stand?
The question is not quite right. It should say that the sheets can withstand a weight of 58g N. Mass is not force.
 
  • #5
What would the tension be if a man of 58 kg chose to rest from it?
 

1. What is the definition of minimum acceleration?

The minimum acceleration is the smallest amount of change in velocity over time that an object experiences. It is typically measured in meters per second squared (m/s^2).

2. How is the magnitude of minimum acceleration calculated?

The magnitude of minimum acceleration can be calculated by dividing the change in velocity by the change in time. This is represented by the equation a = (vf - vi)/t, where a is the acceleration, vf is the final velocity, vi is the initial velocity, and t is the time interval.

3. What factors can affect the magnitude of minimum acceleration?

The magnitude of minimum acceleration can be affected by the mass of the object, the force acting on the object, and the surface on which the object is moving. Other factors such as air resistance and friction can also play a role.

4. How does minimum acceleration relate to Newton's laws of motion?

Minimum acceleration is directly related to Newton's second law of motion, which states that the acceleration of an object is directly proportional to the net force acting on the object and inversely proportional to the mass of the object. This means that a smaller mass or a larger force will result in a greater magnitude of minimum acceleration.

5. Can the magnitude of minimum acceleration be negative?

Yes, the magnitude of minimum acceleration can be negative. This would indicate that the object is slowing down, either due to a decrease in velocity or an opposing force acting on the object. However, the acceleration itself is always positive, as it is a measure of the change in velocity, regardless of direction.

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