Physics-ch05/ exercise 44
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Question 44





Two blocks, each of mass m, are hung from the ceiling of an elevator as in Figure P5.43. The elevator has an upward acceleration a. The strings have negligible mass. (a) Find the tensions T1 and T2 in the upper and lower strings in terms of m, a, and g. (b) Compare the two tensions and determine which string would break first if a is made sufficiently large. (c) What are the tensions if the cable supporting the elevator breaks?

q-43