How Do You Calculate Tension and Friction in Physics Problems?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating tension and friction in physics problems, specifically involving an elevator and an ice skater. For the elevator weighing 2x10^5 N and accelerating upwards at 3 m/s², the tension in the cable can be determined using the equation T = mg + ma, where T is tension, m is mass, and a is acceleration. In the case of the ice skater moving at 10 m/s and coasting to a halt over 100 meters, the coefficient of friction can be calculated by first determining the deceleration using the formula a = (v² - u²) / (2s), where v is final velocity, u is initial velocity, and s is distance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law of Motion
  • Familiarity with basic kinematic equations
  • Knowledge of forces and free-body diagrams
  • Ability to perform calculations involving acceleration and friction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Newton's Second Law and its applications in real-world scenarios
  • Learn how to derive and apply kinematic equations for various motion problems
  • Explore the concept of friction and its coefficients in different materials
  • Practice solving problems involving tension in cables and pulleys
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Students in physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of tension and friction in motion scenarios.

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an elevator weighing 2x10^5n supported by a cable what is the tension on the cable when accelerating up is 3m/s2 g=9.8 obviously

and

an ice skater moves at 10 m/s and coasts to a halt in 100 meters on smooth ice what is the coefficient of friction on skates/ice

i have tried many different ways and am not coming up with the answer i was given any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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It might be worthwhile to post some of the "many different ways" you've attempted, as per the template which you deleted when you posted.
 
Question A-elevator)

Forces pointing downwards: Weight of lift
Forces pointing upwards: Tension force, ma(where m and a are mass and acceleration of lift respectivelly)

Balance the two equations to find the missing link: The tension force.

QuestionB-ice skater)

Do exactly the same:

From the data given (v and s) you can find the acceletarion(or rather deceleration), from this the coefficient of friction can be found easily.
 

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