Determine the magnitude of the minimum acceleration

[tristanmagnum]

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?

 

[haruspex]

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).

 

[tristanmagnum]

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?

 

[haruspex]

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.

 

[arildno]

What would the tension be if a man of 58 kg chose to rest from it?