Two blocks are fastened to the ceiling of an elevator as in

Two blocks are fastened to the ceiling of an elevator as in Figure P4.19. The elevator accelerates upward at 1.60 m/s². The blocks both have a mass of 13.0 kg. Find the tension in each rope.

Solution

As lift moves upward with constant accleration, A pseudo force will act on both blocks, downwards due to this accleration.

Let\'s say tension on rope 1 = T₁ and Tension on rope 2 = T₂

On Block 1, T₁ = T₂ + m(g+a)

On Block 2, T₂ = m(g+a)

m=13 kg, a=1.6m/s², g=9.8m/s²

T₂ = 13(9.8+1.6) = 148.2 N

T₁ = 148.2 + 148.2 = 296.4 N