An elevator suspended by a vertical cable is moving downward but slowing down.The tension in the cable must be
A)greater than the weight of the elevator.
B)less than than the weight of the elevator.
C)equal to the weight of the elevator.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the elevator is slowing down, it means that its acceleration is in the upward direction. According to the second law of motion, the net force acting on an object determines its acceleration. In this case, the downward force acting on the elevator is its weight, and the upward force acting on it is the tension in the cable. Therefore, to slow down the elevator, the upward force (tension) must be greater than the weight of the elevator. So, the tension in the cable must be greater than the weight of the elevator.

An Elevator Suspended by a Vertical Cable Is Moving Downward