Elevator Forces: Fupward vs Fnet vs a

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    Elevator Forces
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the forces acting on an elevator, specifically the relationship between upward force (Fupward), net force (Fnet), and acceleration (a). The maximum acceleration of the elevator is set at 0.068g, which raises questions about how this affects the ability to lift the elevator against gravity. It is established that for the elevator to ascend, the upward force must exceed the gravitational force (Fg), despite the net force being less than the weight of the elevator. The confusion arises from the distinction between net acceleration and the forces involved in lifting the elevator.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of forces: Fupward, Fnet, and gravitational force (Fg)
  • Familiarity with the concept of acceleration in physics
  • Ability to interpret force diagrams and equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Newton's Second Law of Motion in detail
  • Explore the concept of net force and its implications in various scenarios
  • Learn about tension forces in cables and their role in lifting systems
  • Investigate real-world applications of elevator physics and safety mechanisms
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, engineers involved in elevator design, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of forces in lifting systems.

MIA6
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For elevator problem in Force, I have some confusions about basic concepts. Here give an example: an elevator is to be designed so that the maximum acceleration is 0.068g. Here why would the elevator's acceleration smaller than the gravity, then can it still pull the whole elevator up? Or whether it can pull elevator up depends on the upward force not acceleration? Fnet=Fupward-Fg(weight), Is a=0.068g here net acceleration? Fnet=0.068g*m? I think Fupward must be larger than the weight, but then the net force is smaller than the weight, does it matter? I mean if the net force is smaller than the weight, will the tension still be able to pull/lift the elevator up? Or we only look at Fupward to determine if it can lift the elevator. My confusions here are: a and Fnet vs Fupward.
THanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The force is controlled so that the maximum acceleration of the elevator and it's load are .068g.
 
Jeff Reid said:
The force is controlled so that the maximum acceleration of the elevator and it's load are .068g.

sry, I don't quite understand what do you mean by the force is controlled?
 

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