Does an Elevator Affect Your Weight?

[tennisacerg]

A student, standing on a scale in an elevator at rest, sees that his weight is 840 N. As the elevator rises, his weight increases to 1050 N, then returns to normal. When the elevator slows to a stop, his weight drops to 588 N. Determine the acceleration at the beginning and end of the trip.

How do you solve this?

Please help!

 

[PhanthomJay]

A student, standing on a scale in an elevator at rest, sees that his weight is 840 N. As the elevator rises, his weight increases to 1050 N, then returns to normal. When the elevator slows to a stop, his weight drops to 588 N. Determine the acceleration at the beginning and end of the trip.

How do you solve this?

Please help!

As the elevator rises or slows
$$F_{net} = ma$$ where $$F_{net}$$ consists of his weight acting down, and the normal force acting up. What is the person's weight? What is the normal force acting up on his feet? Solve for a in each case. Watch your plus and minus signs.