No, that is not correct. The correct answer is F_t(y) = [m(gL - gy)]/L.

[ahhgidaa]

a uniform rope of length L and mass m is hung vertically. what is the tension a distance y from the bottom?

my final anwer that i got was F_t(y)= [m(L-y)*g]

is this correct?

 

[SammyS]

No.

For one thing, the units are different on the left side of the equation vs. the right side.

How did you get your answer?

What does the answer you posted say in the case that y = L ?

 

[ahhgidaa]

force of tension a distance y from the bottom = m [(L-y)/L]*g
tension = mgh

mass per unit length times gravity

 

[tiny-tim]

force of tension a distance y from the bottom = m [(L-y)/L]*g
tension = mgh

mass per unit length times gravity

yup!