Question:

A lift of mass $M$ is accelerating upwards with an acceleration $a$. If the tension in the supporting cable is $T_1$ during upward acceleration and $T_2$ when it accelerates downwards with the same acceleration $a$, then the ratio $T_1 / T_2$ is:

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Moving upwards increases apparent gravity ($g_{\text{eff}} = g+a$), while moving downwards decreases it ($g_{\text{eff}} = g-a$). The ratio of tensions is simply the ratio of their effective gravities.
Updated On: Jun 3, 2026
  • $\frac{g+a}{g-a}$
  • $\frac{g-a}{g+a}$
  • $\frac{g^2+a^2}{g^2-a^2}$
  • $1$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
According to Newton's Second Law of Motion, the apparent weight (tension in the cable) changes when a body undergoes acceleration in a vertical frame.

Step 2: Meaning
For upward acceleration, the net force equation is $T_1 - Mg = Ma$. For downward acceleration, the net force equation is $Mg - T_2 = Ma$.

Step 3: Analysis
From the upward motion equation: \[ T_1 = M(g + a) \] From the downward motion equation: \[ T_2 = M(g - a) \] Dividing the two equations to find the ratio: \[ \frac{T_1}{T_2} = \frac{M(g + a)}{M(g - a)} = \frac{g + a}{g - a} \]

Step 4: Conclusion
The ratio of the tensions $T_1 / T_2$ is $\frac{g+a}{g-a}$.

Final Answer: (A)
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