Question

A block of mass 4.11 kg is hanging from a rope. The tension in the rope is 23.5 N, pulling upward on the block. What is the magnitude and direction of the acceleration of the block?
F=ma
23.5=4.11a
The result was 5.72 and was not correct. Please help!

Answer 1

weight = m g = 4.11 * 9.81 Newtons

Answer 2

so weight = 4.11*9.81 = 40.3 N down
Tension = 23.5 N up

23.5 - 40.3 = 4.11 a

a = - 4.09 m/s^2

so a is down, weight wins