Question

When will your apparent weight be greatest, as measured by a a scale in a moving elevator; when the elevators: (a) accel. downward (b) accel. upward (c) is in free fall (d) moves upward at a constant speed? In what case would you weight be the least? When would it be the same as when you are on the ground?

Answer 1

Think about it.

weightapparent=mg+ma where a is up. What if a is down? What if a=-g?

Answer 2

Apparent weight
= m(g+a)
where g=9.8 m/s²
a=acceleration, positive upwards.
(a) W=m(g-|a|)
(b) W=m(g+|a|)
(c) W=m(g-|g|) = 0
(d) W=m(g+|0|) = mg

Answer 3

so the it would be the least on the way down, b/c your force, pushing on the scale is less. And it is greatest on the way up, since your force of push is stronger. And I would say in free fall it is the same as ground state?

Answer 4

Rethink free-fall.

Answer 5

ohh okay so the weight would be the same on the ground if its moving up at a constant speed?

Answer 6

Exactly. When it moves upwards (or downwards) at a uniform velocity, the reaction on the floor is the same as the weight. You have probably experienced this when you ride on an elevator.

Answer 7

sweet!! thank you =)

Answer 8

You're welcome!