Answer
If the elevator is accelerating upward, the tension in the cable must be greater than the total weight of the elevator and the objects inside the elevator. Therefore, although the cable may be lifting a lighter load, an upward acceleration could result in a greater tension in the cable than the tension required when the elevator is at rest or moving at constant velocity.
Work Step by Step
When the elevator is at rest or moving at constant velocity, the tension in the cable is equal in magnitude to the total weight of the elevator and the objects inside the elevator.
However, if the elevator is accelerating upward, the tension in the cable must be greater than the total weight of the elevator and the objects inside the elevator. Therefore, although the cable may be lifting a lighter load, an upward acceleration could result in a greater tension in the cable than the tension required when the elevator is at rest or moving at constant velocity.
