How Does Elevator Acceleration Affect Scale Readings in Newtons?

[NewJersey]

A 165-lb person is standing on a scale in an elevator. What is the reading on the scale in Newtons if the elevator is ?

a) accerlating upward at 2.0m/s?
b) accerlating downward at 2.0m/s ?


a= 11.8 m/s *(165*0.454)= 884N

b= 7.8m/s *(165*.454)= 584N

 

[Shooting Star]

Your unit of accn is wrong. What have you done exactly to find the values you have given?

What is the normal reaction between the floor and the man? The only thing we know is that his net accn upward or downward. His weight is always acting downward.

 

[ogb p]

The reading on the scale in Newtons will depend on the direction and magnitude of the acceleration of the elevator.

If the elevator is accelerating upward at a rate of 2.0 m/s, the reading on the scale will be 884 Newtons. This is because the person's weight, which is the force of gravity acting on their mass, will be added to the force of the elevator's acceleration. This results in a greater force being exerted on the scale, leading to a higher reading in Newtons.

On the other hand, if the elevator is accelerating downward at 2.0 m/s, the reading on the scale will be 584 Newtons. This is because the force of gravity acting on the person's mass will be partially counteracted by the downward acceleration of the elevator. This results in a lower force being exerted on the scale, leading to a lower reading in Newtons.

It is important to note that the reading on the scale will only be accurate if the acceleration of the elevator is constant. If the elevator is accelerating or decelerating at a non-constant rate, the reading on the scale will fluctuate accordingly. Additionally, the reading on the scale may also be affected by factors such as the friction between the person's feet and the scale, as well as any air resistance within the elevator. Careful consideration and measurement of these factors may be necessary for precise readings.