How Do You Calculate Tension in a Descending Elevator?

Thread starter yosette_ledezma
Start date Sep 26, 2007
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Elevator Tension

AI Thread Summary

To calculate the tension in a descending elevator, the formula T + mg = ma is used, where T is tension, m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and a is the elevator's acceleration. Given a mass of 2003 kg and a downward acceleration of 1.4 m/s², the tension is calculated as T = 2003(-9.8) + 2003(1.4). The correct calculation shows that tension decreases when the elevator accelerates downwards, and if it were in free fall, the tension would be zero. The confusion arises from not accounting for the direction of forces properly. Understanding these principles clarifies how tension behaves in relation to acceleration.

Sep 26, 2007

yosette_ledezma

So I am really stuck on this physics problem, its an elevator that is accelerating downward at a constant acceleration and I need to find the Tension on the rope

T=?
m=2003kg
a=1.4m/s^2
g=-9.8

T+2003(-9.8)=2003(1.4)
T=22433.6
What am i doing wrong?

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Sep 26, 2007

mgb_phys

Science Advisor

Homework Helper

If it is accelerating downwards, should the tension in the rope get more or less?
Hint - what would be the tension in the rope be if the elevator was free falling?

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