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An elevator cable breaks when a 925 kg elevator is 21.5 m above the top of a huge spring (k = 7.00×104 n/m ) at the bottom of the shaft.

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Final answer:

To calculate the tension in the cable supporting the elevator when it breaks, we need to consider the weight of the elevator, which is equal to its mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity. The tension in the cable will be equal to the weight of the elevator. Therefore, the tension in the cable when it breaks is 9065 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the tension in the cable supporting the elevator, we need to consider the forces acting on the elevator when the cable breaks. The weight of the elevator can be calculated by multiplying its mass (925 kg) by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²):

Weight = mass x acceleration due to gravity
Weight = 925 kg x 9.8 m/s² = 9065 N

The tension in the cable will be equal to the weight of the elevator:

Tension = Weight = 9065 N

So, the tension in the cable when it breaks is 9065 N.

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