Tension in a string along with a Pseudo force

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the tension in a string supporting a 50g block in an accelerating elevator. The correct approach involves recognizing the forces acting on the block, including its weight and the pseudo force due to the elevator's acceleration. The tension is derived from the net forces, leading to a calculation of 0.55 N for the 50g mass, while a 5.0 kg mass would yield a tension of 55 N. There is debate over the necessity of considering a pseudo force, with some arguing it is essential for understanding the system's dynamics. Ultimately, the resolution highlights the importance of correctly applying Newton's laws in non-inertial reference frames.
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Homework Statement



A block of mass 50g is suspended from the ceiling of an elevator.Find the tension in the string if the elevator goes up with an acceleration of 1.2m/s^2

Homework Equations



F_{net}=ma_{net}

The Attempt at a Solution


I have reached here:...but with this i don't get the books answer...The book takes net acceleration to be 0:eek:
If F be the pseudo force...then,
T-F_g-F=ma
a=1.2
So solving this i get an answer that differs from the one given in a problem book...that is 55N(the book's ans)

Ive realized that we get 55N if we take a_{net}=0.Now how is this possible?:confused:
 
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The real forces that the mass experiences are the tension in the string, T, and its weight, W. The resultant of these two forces are responsible for its given acceleration. So there is no need for a pseudo force.

Also with a mass of 50 grams the tension comes to 0.55 N. A mass of 5.0 kg will give 55 N.
 
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andrevdh said:
The real forces that the mass experiences are the tension in the string, T, and its weight, W. The resultant of these two forces are responsible for its given acceleration. So there is no need for a pseudo force.

Also with a mass of 50 grams the tension comes to 0.55 N. A mass of 5.0 kg will give 55 N.

Well...i don't seem to get the point that u have referred to...because...we certainly need a pseudo force.But i understand that relative acceleration will be zero.
 
Depends upon your point of view. I would say there are two "forces" on the mass: one of mg= .05kg (9.8/s2)= 0.49 N downward and the "pseudo" force of ma= 0.5kg(1.2 m/s2)= 0.06 N, also downward, so that the total "force" on the spring and its tension is 0.06+ 0.49= 0.55 N.

Of course, you could also have said that there is a net "acceleration" of 11 m/s2 downward given F= ma= 0.55N.
 
Thnx for the solution to the problem
 
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