Tension and Normal Force in a Moving Elevator

In summary, the conversation discusses the tension in a string supporting a 5.0 kg mass suspended from the ceiling of an elevator moving upward with a decreasing speed of 2.0 m/s in each second. The normal force is determined to be 49N, but the additional force caused by the elevator's deceleration needs to be taken into account using F=ma to calculate the tension. The final answer for the tension is 39N.
  • #1
patelkey
16
0
A 5.0 kg mass is suspended by a string from the ceiling of an elevator that
is moving upward with a speed which is decreasing at a constant rate of 2.0
m/s in each second. What is the tension in the string supporting the mass?

-I know that the Normal Force on the string is Fn=mg so it would be equal to 49 N, however how would I use the rest of the information to calculate the tension in the string. I know that the answer is supposed to be 39 N but I don't know how to approach it from this point.
 
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  • #2
2.0 m/s/s means that there is an additional force caused by the deceleration of the elevator (negative acceleration), and F=ma. Therefore f_total = 49N - 5kg*(2m/s^2) = 39N
 
  • #3
okk that's what I was thinking but I felt as if it was just a guess that happened to work out thanks for the explanation
 

FAQ: Tension and Normal Force in a Moving Elevator

What is tension?

Tension is a force that occurs when an object is pulled or stretched. It is always directed along the length of the object and can be caused by external forces or by the weight of the object itself.

What is normal force?

Normal force is the force that a surface exerts on an object that is resting on it. It is always perpendicular to the surface and is equal in magnitude to the force applied by the object on the surface.

How is tension related to normal force?

Tension and normal force are two different types of forces that can act on an object simultaneously. Tension is a pulling force, while normal force is a pushing force. They are related in the sense that they both act on an object and can affect its motion and stability.

What factors affect the magnitude of tension and normal force?

The magnitude of tension and normal force can be affected by several factors. These include the weight of the object, the angle at which the forces are applied, and the surface characteristics of the objects involved.

How do tension and normal force impact the motion of an object?

Tension and normal force can have a significant impact on the motion of an object. Tension can accelerate or decelerate an object, while normal force can provide the necessary support for the object to maintain its position. These forces can also cause changes in direction and rotation of an object.

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