A 5.8-kg bucket of water is raised from a well by a rope. If the upward acceleration of the bucket is 3.9 m/s2

find the force exerted by the rope on the bucket. (N)

(Forces)

well, net force = mass*acceleration, so you would need to multiply the mass by the acceleration (and you would get 22.6 N). But net force is sum of all forces, and since the rope's force opposes gravitational force, you need to add the gravitational force that the rope is fighting in addition. Gravitational force is mass*9.81 m/s2, or 56.9 N). Total force exerted by the rope on the bucket is the summation, or 79.5 N.