Question

The drawing shows Robin Hood (mass = 85.0 kg) about to escape from a dangerous situation. With one hand, he is gripping the rope that holds up a chandelier (mass = 240 kg). When he cuts the rope where it is tied to the floor, the chandelier will fall, and he will be pulled up toward a balcony above. Ignore the friction between the rope and the beams over which it slides, and find (a) the acceleration with which Robin is pulled upward and (b) the tension in the rope while Robin escapes.

Answer 1

The resultant force on the system is equivalent to the difference in the weights of the chandelier and Robin Hood.
F(net) = 240g - 85g
F(net) = 155g

Robin Hood's Acceleration:
F = ma
155g = 85a
a = 17.89 m/s²

Tension = mg + ma
Tension = 85(g + a)
Tension = 2400 N