A person stands on a scale in an elevator. As the elevator starts, the scale has a constant reading of 600 N. As the elevator later stops, the scale reading is 396 N. Assume the magnitude of the acceleration is the same during starting and stopping.

Question

A)Determine the wieght of the person.
B) Determine the mass of the person
C)Determine the magnitude of acceleration of the elevator.

Answer 1

scale= mg+ma when going accelerating upwards, = mg-ma when acceleration is downward (as when going up and slowing).

396=m(g)
so you can solve for mass then.

600=396+ma and you can solve for a.