Tension on string pulling up water

In summary, a 6-kg bucket of water is being pulled up with a constant upward acceleration of 3 m/s^2. To find the tension, use Newton's 2nd law and identify all forces acting on the bucket. If the acceleration is downwards, the formula would be T = mg - ma.
  • #1
sfgradv
13
0
A 6-kg of water is being pulled straight up by a string. The upward acceleration of the bucket is constant, with magnitude 3 m/s^2

I need to find Tension. I have a problem getting the formula for this question. Can someone please help me? Thanks!
 
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  • #2
The "formula" you need is Newton's 2nd law. To apply it, you'll need to identify the forces acting on the bucket of water.
 
  • #3
Is it F = T-mg=ma?
 
  • #4
Exactly right.
 
  • #5
Am I supposed to plug in -9.8 since gravity is pulling it down or 9.8 since the negetive is already in the formula for g?
 
  • #6
g = 9.8 m/s^2; the negative sign is already in the formula by putting the weight as "-mg".
 
  • #7
What if the acceleration is downwards? Would it be T = mg - ma?

Does anyone know?
 
Last edited:
  • #8
sfgradv said:
What if the acceleration is downwards? Would it be T = mg - ma?
That's correct.
 

1. How does tension on a string affect water being pulled up?

Tension on a string is the force that is pulling the string in opposite directions. When a string is used to pull water up, the tension creates a pulling force on the water molecules, causing them to move upward in the direction of the string. The greater the tension on the string, the more force is applied to the water, resulting in a faster and stronger upward movement.

2. What is the relationship between the length of the string and the tension required to pull up water?

The length of the string has a direct relationship with the tension required to pull up water. The longer the string, the greater the distance the water has to travel, and therefore, the greater the tension needed to overcome the force of gravity and lift the water upward.

3. How does the weight of the water being pulled up affect the tension on the string?

The weight of the water being pulled up also has a direct relationship with the tension on the string. The heavier the water, the more tension is needed to lift it against the force of gravity. This is because the weight of the water is constantly pulling downward, creating a resistance that must be overcome by the tension on the string.

4. Can the material of the string affect the tension on the string pulling up water?

Yes, the material of the string can affect the tension on the string pulling up water. Certain materials, such as nylon or steel, have different levels of stiffness and strength, which can impact the amount of tension that can be applied before the string breaks. In general, a stronger and stiffer material will be able to withstand higher tensions than a weaker and more flexible material.

5. What happens to the tension on the string as the water is pulled higher?

As the water is pulled higher, the tension on the string will decrease. This is because as the water moves upward, it creates a counterforce on the string, reducing the overall tension. This is similar to holding a weight with a string and slowly lifting it up – the tension on the string decreases as the weight is lifted higher. However, the tension on the string will still need to be strong enough to overcome the force of gravity and continue pulling the water upward.

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