Answer
There are two forces acting on the elevator. The force of gravity points straight down. The tension force from the cable points straight up. Since the elevator is moving downward and slowing down, the acceleration vector points upward. Therefore, the net force points upward and the magnitude of the tension force is greater than the force of gravity.
Work Step by Step
There are two forces acting on the elevator. The force of gravity points straight down. The tension force from the cable points straight up. Since the elevator is moving downward and slowing down, the acceleration vector points upward. Therefore, the net force points upward and the magnitude of the tension force is greater than the force of gravity.
