Tension in String of 5.5kg Object in Accelerating Elevator

In summary, tension in a string refers to the pulling force exerted by the string in response to an external force or weight. In an accelerating elevator, the tension in a string will increase or decrease depending on the direction of acceleration. The tension in a string is directly proportional to the weight of an object, meaning that as the weight of an object increases, the tension in the string also increases. The mass of the object does not directly affect the tension in the string, but its weight, which is affected by its mass, will impact the tension. The tension in a string in an accelerating elevator can be calculated using the formula T = m(a + g), where T is the tension, m is the mass of the object, a is
  • #1
DaRotot
3
0
A 5.5-kg object is suspended by a string from the ceiling of an elevator that is accelerating downward at a rate of 2.5 m/s^2 What is the tension in the string?
 
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  • #2
mg - T = ma
 
  • #3


The tension in the string can be calculated using the formula T = m(a + g), where T is the tension, m is the mass of the object, a is the acceleration of the elevator, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. In this case, the acceleration due to gravity can be considered negligible since it is much smaller than the acceleration of the elevator. Therefore, the tension in the string can be calculated as T = (5.5 kg)(2.5 m/s^2) = 13.75 N. This means that the string is experiencing a tension of 13.75 Newtons due to the weight of the 5.5-kg object and the acceleration of the elevator. This tension is necessary to keep the object suspended in the elevator as it accelerates downward.
 

1. What is tension in a string?

Tension in a string refers to the pulling force exerted by the string in response to an external force or weight.

2. How is tension affected by an accelerating elevator?

In an accelerating elevator, the tension in a string will increase or decrease depending on the direction of acceleration. If the elevator accelerates upward, the tension will increase. If the elevator accelerates downward, the tension will decrease.

3. What is the relationship between tension and the weight of an object?

The tension in a string is directly proportional to the weight of an object. This means that as the weight of an object increases, the tension in the string also increases.

4. How does the mass of the object affect tension in the string?

The mass of the object does not directly affect the tension in the string. However, the weight of the object, which is affected by its mass, will impact the tension in the string.

5. How can tension in a string be calculated for an accelerating elevator?

The tension in a string in an accelerating elevator can be calculated using the formula T = m(a + g), where T is the tension, m is the mass of the object, a is the acceleration of the elevator, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

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