Find the Tension in the cable when the lift is moving at constant speed

In summary, when a lift moves at constant speed, the tension in the cable is equal to the weight of the lift and its load. This is because, at constant speed, the net force acting on the lift is zero, meaning that the upward force (tension) balances the downward force (weight). Therefore, to find the tension in the cable, one must calculate the total weight of the lift and its contents using the formula T = mg, where T is tension, m is mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
  • #1
chwala
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Homework Statement
The maximum load that a lift of mass ##600## kg can hold is ##450##kg. Find the tension in the cable when the lift is holding a maximum load and is moving at a constant speed of ##3## m/s
Relevant Equations
Vertical motion - Mechanics.
aaaah just realized the solution after typing here...

... at constant speed, ##a=0##,

therefore

##T-mg = 0##

##T=(1050 × 10) =10, 500## Newtons

or any insight...welcome.



Maybe i should ask...when the lift is moving downwards and there is deceleration then would the Tension be treated in the same manner as moving upwards with acceleration?

Would the equation below apply to both scenario?

##T-mg = ma## ?

Cheers.
 
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  • #2
With a reference direction of up is positive, then if it is moving down (negative) a positive acceleration will result in it slowing down (decelerate).
 
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  • #3
Rather than saying T - mg, I would consider them as vectors, since g is down it is negative. Then you have: ma = T+ mg
 
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chwala said:
Maybe i should ask...when the lift is moving downwards and there is deceleration then would the Tension be treated in the same manner as moving upwards with acceleration?
What do you think? Why?

chwala said:
Would the equation below apply to both scenario?

##T-mg = ma## ?
What do you think? Why?

This approach to "learning" where you guess answers and seek confirmation from others is not learning at all: reasoning things out for yourself is an essential part of learning. That is why we ask you to show your workings.
 
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FAQ: Find the Tension in the cable when the lift is moving at constant speed

What is the tension in the cable when the lift is moving at constant speed?

The tension in the cable when the lift is moving at constant speed is equal to the weight of the lift and its contents. This is because, at constant speed, the net force on the lift is zero, meaning the tension must counteract the gravitational force exactly.

How do you calculate the tension in the cable of a lift moving at constant speed?

The tension (T) can be calculated using the formula: \( T = mg \), where \( m \) is the mass of the lift and its contents, and \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²).

Does the speed of the lift affect the tension in the cable?

No, the speed of the lift does not affect the tension in the cable as long as the speed is constant. The tension is determined by the weight of the lift and its contents, not by its speed.

Why is the acceleration due to gravity used in the tension calculation?

The acceleration due to gravity is used in the tension calculation because it represents the force exerted by gravity on the lift and its contents. This gravitational force is what the tension in the cable must counteract to keep the lift moving at a constant speed.

What happens to the tension if the lift starts accelerating or decelerating?

If the lift starts accelerating or decelerating, the tension in the cable will change. During acceleration, the tension increases as it must counteract both the gravitational force and provide the additional force needed for acceleration. During deceleration, the tension decreases as it must counteract the gravitational force and reduce the lift's speed.

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