A 410 kg elevator is travelling up at a velocity of 4.07 m/s [Up] when it accelerates at 3.8 m/s^2 [Down]. What is the net force acting on the elevator? Use Up as positive in your answer.

Answer 1

Force up = F
F - m g = m a
F - m g = - 3.8 m
F = m (g - 3.8) (less than just holding it up because it is falling if slowly)
if g = 9. 8
F = 6 m = 2460 Newtons