The discussion focuses on the forces to consider when drawing a free body diagram for an elevator that is accelerating upwards. The primary forces identified are the tension force (Ft) acting upwards and the gravitational force (Fg) acting downwards. The correct representation requires Ft to be greater than Fg when the elevator accelerates upwards, as indicated by the equation Ft + Fg = Fnet = ma, where 'a' is the acceleration. The conversation confirms that the diagram is accurate under the specified conditions of upward acceleration.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics and forces, as well as educators looking to enhance their teaching of free body diagrams and Newton's laws.
In that case, your diagram is correct to have Ft greater in magnitude than Fg, since Ft + Fg = Fnet = ma and a must be non-zero, and I'm assuming the elevator is accelerating in the direction of Ft. ;)dranseth said:Well, in the question it stated that it was accelerating... So was I right to have only the two forces Ft and Fg with Ft bigger?