A 97.0-kg person stands on a scale in an elevator. What is the apparent weight when the elevator is

(a) accelerating upward with an acceleration of 1.70 m/s2,

(b) moving upward at a constant speed, and

(c) accelerating downward with an acceleration of 1.80 m/s2?

3 answers

a. Since W=mass x acceleration , when accelerating upward the acceleration due to gravity and the acceleration of the elevator add up. So, a=(9.8+1.7)=11.5m/s^2, so weight = 97kg x 11.5 m/s^2.

b. at constant speed their is no acceleration except for earths gravity which means its weight is the same as if its not moving.

c. if it accelerates downward use the same concept as a except subtract the acceleration from the acceleration due to gravity.

Thanks Spencer !

Thank you Spencer