Finding Cable Tension in Elevator w/ Initial Velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the tension in a cable raising an elevator with a mass of 60 kg and an acceleration of 10 m/s². Participants express confusion regarding the relevance of the change in height (4 m) and the correct application of the tension formula. The tension is not simply the product of mass and acceleration, as participants initially suggested. The correct approach involves considering both the weight of the elevator and the net force acting on it.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Knowledge of gravitational force calculation (Weight = Mass * Gravity)
  • Familiarity with potential energy concepts (PE = Mass * Acceleration * Height)
  • Basic algebra skills for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the derivation of tension in systems with constant acceleration
  • Study the relationship between potential energy and work done in lifting objects
  • Learn about free-body diagrams to visualize forces acting on the elevator
  • Explore examples of tension calculations in different mechanical systems
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and force analysis, as well as educators looking for examples of tension calculations in real-world applications.

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Homework Statement



An elevator with a small initial upward velocity being raised by a cable. The tension in the cable is constant. Find the magnitude of the tension in the cable. Be certain that the method you are using will be accurate to two significant figures.

Acceleration=10 m/s^2
Mass=60kg
Change in height = 4m

Homework Equations



PE=Mass*Acceleration*height

The Attempt at a Solution



Isn't Tension equal to MA? I try that but that's 600 N and that's not the correct answers.

Sorry i don't know the answer i just know that that's not right.
 
Last edited:
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what is the answer? is it on the book? I calculated it by saying T-W = 60(10).. seems okay to me, not sure though

I don't know what to do with the change in height :S
 
Yea me too, i don't know why the question provided the "h" value, and there is a value for acceleration also,,

Feels like the question is not complete,
 

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