Ignoring air-resistance on the sensor.
Horizontal acceleration, ah = 2.52 m/s²
Horizontal component of force
=m*ah
Weight of sensor = mg
Since the directions of m*ah and mg are orthogonal (at 90°), the vector sum is required for the tension of the cable
T=sqrt((mg)^2+(m*ah)^2)
=m*sqrt(9.81²+2.52²)
=m*10.12
=1134 N
A helicopter flies over the arctic ice pack at a constant altitude, towing an airborne 112-kg laser sensor which measures the thickness of the ice (see the drawing). The helicopter and the sensor move only in the horizontal direction and have a horizontal acceleration of magnitude 2.52 m/s2. Ignoring air resistance, find the tension in the cable towing the sensor.
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