Draw a free-body diagram of the object
Identify all forces acting on the object
Choose a coordinate system
Apply Newton’s second law, (sum F = ma)
Write force equations along each axis
Include tension as a force along the string, rope, or cable
Solve the equations for the unknown tension
Use (a = 0) for equilibrium problems
Use (T = mg) for a hanging mass at rest
Use (T = m(g pm a)) for vertical acceleration
Use (T = ma) only when tension is the net force
Use pulley constraints to relate accelerations when needed
Check units to ensure the result is in newtons