Final answer:
The tension in the cable supporting the elevator during acceleration is 2040 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the tension in the cable supporting the elevator, we need to consider the forces acting on it. When the elevator accelerates upward at 1.2 m/s² for 1.5 s, the tension in the cable can be calculated using Newton's second law, which states that force equals mass times acceleration. The force exerted on the elevator is equal to the tension in the cable, and the mass is the mass of the elevator plus the passengers.
Tension = (mass of elevator + mass of passengers) × acceleration
Tension = (1700 kg) × (1.2 m/s²) = 2040 N
Therefore, the tension in the cable supporting the elevator during acceleration is 2040 N.