Four 100 kg people are holding a 1200 kg inflated balloon

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a scenario where four individuals, each weighing 100 kg, are holding a 1200 kg inflated balloon. The situation changes when three individuals release their hold, resulting in the balloon accelerating upward at 2 m/s². The focus is on determining the tension in the rope held by the last person.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's second law and the forces acting on the individual holding the rope. Questions arise regarding the correct formulation of the forces involved, including tension and gravitational force.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct application of Newton's second law, with some participants suggesting the need to account for both tension and gravitational forces. Guidance has been offered regarding the importance of drawing a diagram to visualize the forces.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion about the relationship between acceleration, mass, and gravitational force, indicating a need for clarification on these concepts. The discussion reflects a mix of correct and incorrect reasoning regarding the application of physics principles.

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four 100 kg people are holding a 1200 kg inflated balloon by means of four ropes. three people let go and the balloon accelerates upward at 2 m/ s/s. what is the tension in the rope the last person is holding?
 
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What are your ideas on this?
 
t=mg?
 
These are the 2 forces on the person, but if they were equal then the person would have an acceleration of zero.

Apply Newton's second law to the person.
 
ma=mg where a = 2 so m(a-g)=0 so 800 but I know it's actually a+g so 1200 why?
 
ma = mg is not correct.

Newton 2 says that the total force on the person = ma
You've written the total force as just mg. You need to include the tension in here as well.

Just draw a quick diagram showing the forces on the person and the direction of the acceleration and then apply Newton 2, ( and be careful with the signs ).
 
oh! thank you very much
 

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