How Does Elevator Cable Tension Compare to Weight During Motion?

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When an elevator moves upward at a constant speed, the tension in the cable equals the weight of the elevator due to zero acceleration. Conversely, when the elevator descends and decelerates, the tension is less than the weight because the net force must act in the direction of the acceleration. The discussion emphasizes that tension equals weight when acceleration is zero and is less than weight during downward deceleration. The net force relationship is crucial in determining the tension in the cable. Understanding these dynamics is essential for analyzing elevator motion.
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a) An elevator travels upward at a constant speed. The elevator is hung by a single cable. Friction and air resistance are negligible.

ii) Is the tension in the cable greater than, less than, or equal to the weight of the elevator? Explain.
iii) The elevator travels downward and is slowing down. Is the tension in the cable greater than, less than, or equal to the weight of the elevator ? Explain.


ii) If moving upward i know that the tension is greater then W~ but the acceleration is 0...
then is the tension = w~? (Newton's second law state the acceleration depends on net
force )

iii) when the elevator is moving downward with slowing down, that means there consists
deceleration .. so the the tension of cable is less then the w of elevator <<< is answer
like this correct??
 
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bboycs said:
iii) when the elevator is moving downward with slowing down, that means there consists
deceleration .. so the the tension of cable is less then the w of elevator <<< is answer
like this correct??

Tension is greater than weight. If the elevator is slowing down, in which direction is it accelerating? In which direction must the net force be so that the elevator accelerates in this direction?
 
dx said:
Tension is greater than weight. If the elevator is slowing down, in which direction is it accelerating? In which direction must the net force be so that the elevator accelerates in this direction?

i) the accelaration = 0
from equation
T-W = ma
so when a = 0
T-W =0
W = T
the tension not equal to W ??

ii)moving downward...
 
Moving downward, the net force (sum of all the forces) is still T - W. However, the other side of the equation is not zero any more. Taking up as positive and down as negative is ma (mass times magnitude of acceleration) positive or negative?
 
kuruman said:
Moving downward, the net force (sum of all the forces) is still T - W. However, the other side of the equation is not zero any more. Taking up as positive and down as negative is ma (mass times magnitude of acceleration) positive or negative?

this is for question (ii)...
so the w is greater then tension??

another one is the question (i)
is the tension = weight of elevator??
due to the acceleration is 0
 
bboycs said:
this is for question (ii)...
so the w is greater then tension??

Yes. When the acceleration is down, the net force (sum of all the forces) is in the same direction as the acceleration, therefore the weight is greater than the tension.

another one is the question (i)
is the tension = weight of elevator??
due to the acceleration is 0

Yes. When the acceleration is zero, the tension is equal to the hanging weight.
 
kuruman said:
Yes. When the acceleration is down, the net force (sum of all the forces) is in the same direction as the acceleration, therefore the weight is greater than the tension.



Yes. When the acceleration is zero, the tension is equal to the hanging weight.



thanks for explaning~
 
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