Force and Motionfinding tension?

[MetalAttack]

Homework Statement

"Elevator cab is pulled upward by a cable. the cab and its one person inside weigh 2000kg.when that person drops a coin, its acceleration to the cab is 8.00m/s^2.
what is the tension in the cable?

I feel as tho i know what to do but the "tension" is throwing me off. I've never been asked to find it before. is there any other ways this might be worded for understanding?

Homework Equations

m=2000kg
Fx=MAx
Fy=MAy

The Attempt at a Solution

I am unsure how to add drawing in here. but basically i made a free-body-diagram.
with Fg(gravity) and a arrow pointing downwards. Fg=mg >> Fg=(2000)(9.81)= 19620
and with F or "N" for normal pointing upwards ^.

I am not looking for anyone to do this. just some hints and ideas as how to start :(
thank you

 

[fizzynoob]

you need to sum the forces; the sum of those forces must equal the net Force

Sum of the Forces in Y = T - mg = ma; where a is the acceleration of the whole system

 

[MetalAttack]

Sum of the Forces in Y = T - mg = ma; where a is the acceleration of the whole system

Fy= T -mg = ma
Fy= T = ma + mg
Fy= T = m(a+g)

T=time?
m=mass 2000kg
a=8.00m/s^2
g=-9.8a

correct?

 

[fizzynoob]

T does not equal time, it is tension. Maybe i should of put Ft.

So you solved for T right, now you your acceleration and you know gravity. Plug in values