# Tension of a rope problem

How much tension must a rope withstand if it is used to accelerate a 1800 kg car vertically upward at 0.60 m/s2?

could someone tell me how to start this problem? thanks so much!

Related Introductory Physics Homework Help News on Phys.org
Consider a free body diagram around the car. Net force = mass * accelleration. So you have the tension in the rope and gravity acting on the car, and the total of those must give you an upwards accelleration of 0.6m/s^2

i'm still confused with this problem..i thought i could just multiply 1800kg by .60 m/s^2? but i dont get the right answer...

How much tension must a rope withstand if it is used to accelerate a 1800 kg car vertically upward at 0.60 m/s2?

could someone tell me how to start this problem? thanks so much!
Is this problem neglecting air friction and mass of the rope? Also, what's pulling that rope?

Last edited:
it doesn't say...its a webassign problem

it doesn't say...its a webassign problem
Ok, then what is the answer, if given? Because I got what you got too. I might be missing something

sorry...i dont have the answer either..it's due tomorrow night..hmmm...i wander why it won't work...

i'm still confused with this problem..i thought i could just multiply 1800kg by .60 m/s^2? but i dont get the right answer...

You don't get the right answer even though you don't have the right answer? lol

webassign is a homework program on the internet...it tells you right away if you're wrong or right...but doesn't give you the right answer until after its due or if you get the answer right.

I think what Kazza is saying is $\vec{F_T} - mg = m\vec{a}$. If that's correct then you can think of a free body diagram of the rope with the upward force equal to ma, and the downward force equal to mg. But don't take my word on it

Last edited:
thanks cscott!!! its correct!!

Woo! I give 94.8% credit to Kazza