Solve for Apparent Weight: Newton's Second Law in Elevator Scenarios"

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the apparent weight of a person in an elevator under different conditions, specifically focusing on scenarios involving acceleration and constant speed. The subject area pertains to Newton's Second Law and its application in dynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss drawing free body diagrams for each scenario to analyze forces. Questions are raised about how to express apparent weight in terms of these forces. There is an attempt to calculate apparent weight for different elevator movements, with some participants sharing their calculations and seeking clarification on the downward acceleration case.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing calculations for the upward acceleration and constant speed scenarios. There is a suggestion to revisit the free body diagram for the downward acceleration case, indicating that guidance has been offered to help navigate the problem. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are encouraged to include their reasoning and work before seeking help, which suggests a collaborative learning environment. There is an emphasis on ensuring that all forces are accounted for correctly in the calculations.

shawonna23
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A 79.0 kg person stands on a scale in an elevator. What is the apparent weight in each of the following situations?
(a) when the elevator is accelerating upward with an acceleration of 1.80 m/s2
? N

(b) when the elevator is moving upward at a constant speed
? N

(c) when the elevator is accelerating downward with an acceleration of 1.70 m/s2
? N
 
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1. Draw a freebody diagram for each case.

2. How would you measure apparent weight. How would you write an expression involving the forces shown on a freebody diagram and the apparent weight?

3. Include your reasoning/solution before asking for help :smile:

Cheers
Vivek
 
Here Is What I Came Up With

A. FN=mg+ma
(79.0*9.8)+(79.0*1.80)=916.4

B. (79.0*9.8)+(79.0*0)=774.2

I still don't know how to get the answer for c
 
Did you draw a new FBD for part c and go through the process of summing the forces again?
 
faust9 said:
Did you draw a new FBD for part c and go through the process of summing the forces again?

You're this : . : close from solving part (c). Just go ahead and follow faust9's advice and you'll be through (if you could you parts (a) and (b) there's no reason why you can't get (c) since the reasoning is similar...only the forces are to be accounted for correctly).

Cheers
Vivek
 

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