How to Calculate the Force Exerted by a Cable on an Elevator

Question:

An 800-kg elevator accelerates downward at 2.0 m/s. What is the force exerted by the cable on the elevator?

Answer:

The force exerted by the cable on the elevator can be calculated using Newton's second law. The correct option is A) 1.6 kN down.

When dealing with scenarios involving elevators and cables, it's crucial to apply Newton's second law, which states that force is equal to mass times acceleration (F = m * a).

In this case, the mass of the elevator is 800 kg, and it's accelerating downward at 2.0 m/s². By substituting these values into the equation, we can calculate the force:

F = (800 kg) * (-2.0 m/s²)

F = -1600 N

The negative sign indicates that the force is directed downward. To convert this to kilonewtons (kN), we divide by 1000:

F = -1.6 kN

Therefore, the force exerted by the cable on the elevator is -1.6 kN, downward.

Understanding Newton's second law is essential in solving physics problems related to forces and motion. To delve deeper into this concept, you can explore more resources on Newton's second law.