Final answer:
The tension in the elevator cable during various stages of motion can be calculated using Newton's second law, with the forces involved being the gravitational force and the force due to acceleration or deceleration. The height and final velocity also depend on the kinematics of constant acceleration.
Step-by-step explanation:
We are tasked with performing a series of calculations related to the motion of an elevator and the forces involved. These calculations are centered around tension, acceleration, and angular motion, which involve principles of classical mechanics.
Part A: Calculating Tension During Acceleration
To calculate the tension in the cable while the elevator accelerates, we can use Newton's second law (F = ma). For the elevator mass of 1700 kg accelerating at 1.20 m/s2, the tension is the sum of the force due to gravity (mg) and the force due to acceleration (ma), which is T = mg + ma. Substituting for g (9.8 m/s2), we find T = (1700 kg)(9.8 m/s2 + 1.20 m/s2).
Part B: Tension at Constant Velocity
When the elevator moves at constant velocity, acceleration is zero, so the tension in the cable is simply the force of gravity on the elevator: T = mg.
Part C: Tension During Deceleration
While decelerating, the force required is less than the gravitational force, as the elevator is slowing down. The tension is thus T = mg - ma, with a being the deceleration rate.
Part D: Height and Final Velocity
The height moved by the elevator can be calculated using the kinematic equation for constant acceleration and the final velocity can be deduced from the time spent accelerating and decelerating.