How much work was done by the tension in the cable?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the work done by the tension in the cable on a 1500-kg elevator moving upward at constant speed over 25m, it's essential to recognize that the acceleration is zero due to the constant speed. The total force acting on the elevator is zero, meaning the tension in the cable balances the gravitational force. The formula for work, W = (F cos 0)s, applies here, with F representing the tension equal to the weight of the elevator (T = mg). Therefore, the work done by the tension can be calculated as W = T * s, where T is the weight of the elevator and s is the distance moved. This understanding clarifies how to approach the problem effectively.
brncsfns5621
Messages
22
Reaction score
0
I think I have been staring at this question too long as I can not figure it out. I am sure the answer is simple:

A 1500-kg elevator moves upward with a constant speed through a vertical distance of 25m. How much work was done by the tension in the cable?

I know that W= (F cos 0)s, and that F= ma. What I can't figure out is the acceleration. It doesn't have one as it is moving with a constant speed. Any info on where to start?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
F=ma when F is the total force on the object. Here, the total force is 0, since the object isn't accelerating, and so the tension in the cable must exactly balance the force of gravity.
 
So F= 0 and T= mg?
 
Yea, if F is the total force on the object (you can always use F to stand for only one contribution to the force, it's just then F=ma won't hold).
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Find the Tension in the cable when the lift is moving at constant speed
Replies
3
Views
1K
Tension Force Problem (applying Work-Kinetic Energy Theorem)
Replies
16
Views
992
with this tension problem -- Mass on an accelerating cable
Replies
3
Views
2K
Finding the tension of two cables holding an object at rest
Replies
7
Views
2K
Work done by the tension on a cable
Replies
13
Views
10K
Problem involving space elevators
Replies
19
Views
2K
Work Done by Elevator Cable in Sample Problem 7-6
Replies
2
Views
3K
Work Pulley Problem with constant speed
Replies
2
Views
975
What is the tension in the lift cable and in the string?
Replies
19
Views
3K
Tension and net torque in a cable
Replies
10
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top