How Do You Calculate Tension in a String with Mass and Acceleration?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the tension in a string attached to a mass descending with constant acceleration, a. By applying Newton's Second Law (F=ma), participants confirm that the net force acting on the mass can be expressed as mg - Tension. The correct equation derived from this analysis is ma = mg - Tension, allowing for the calculation of tension in terms of mass (m), acceleration (a), and gravitational acceleration (g).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Laws of Motion
  • Basic knowledge of forces and acceleration
  • Familiarity with the concepts of mass and gravity
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of tension in different pulley systems
  • Learn about the effects of friction on tension calculations
  • Explore advanced applications of Newton's Laws in dynamic systems
  • Investigate the role of mass distribution in tension calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding the principles of tension in strings and pulleys.

rchenkl
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A string is attached to a mass and a pulley at the top end and the mass is free to move and descends with a constant acceleration, a.
By applying Newton's Laws to mass m, find an expression for the tension in the string, in terms of m, a and the acceleration due to gravity, g.

Homework Equations



F=ma

The Attempt at a Solution


I was thinking the net force downwards is mg-Tension force. And the net force results acceleration. So ma=mg-tension. is that correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That's correct.
 

Similar threads

Tension in a string which connects 3 pulleys
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Acceleration of rising mass and tension in cord
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
3K
Tension in the string while it descends
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Find the Tension in the cable when the lift is moving at constant speed
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Monkey accelerating up and down a rope
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
Problem with pulleys - two fixed and one movable
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Feynman's Lectures exercise about Newton's laws
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Mechanics: Elevator Accelerating Downward
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Tension in a supporting thread after a second supporting thread is cut
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
Time it Takes for a Transverse Pulse to Travel a Distance "L" Up a Cable Against Gravity?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K