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Ch 09: Work and Kinetic Energy
Chapter 9, Problem 9

A 1000 kg elevator accelerates upward at 1.0 m/s² for 10 m, starting from rest. (b) How much work does the tension in the elevator cable do on the elevator?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Newton's Second Law of Motion

Newton's Second Law states that the force acting on an object is equal to the mass of that object multiplied by its acceleration (F = ma). In this scenario, the elevator's upward acceleration requires a net force that must overcome both the gravitational force acting downward and provide the necessary force for upward motion.
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Work-Energy Principle

The Work-Energy Principle states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. In the case of the elevator, the work done by the tension in the cable must account for both the energy required to accelerate the elevator and the energy needed to lift it against gravity over the distance it travels.
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Gravitational Force

Gravitational force is the force of attraction between two masses, calculated as F = mg, where m is the mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth). For the elevator, this force acts downward and must be considered when calculating the total tension in the cable, as it affects the net force required for upward acceleration.
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