Solving Problems with Newton’s Laws (Problem 37)

An elevator filled with passengers has a mass of $1.70\times {10}^3\text{kg}$. (a) The elevator accelerates upward from rest at a rate of $1.20{\text{m/s}}^2$ for 1.50 s. Calculate the tension in the cable supporting the elevator. (b) The elevator continues upward at constant velocity for 8.50 s. What is the tension in the cable during this time? (c) The elevator accelerates opposite to the motion at a rate of $0.600{\text{m/s}}^2$ for 3.00 s. What is the tension in the cable during acceleration opposite to the motion? (d) How high has the elevator moved above its original starting point, and what is its final velocity? Select the answer to part (a).