Elevator Weight and Acceleration

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a scenario where a person, Luke, is standing on a scale in an elevator that is accelerating upward. The scale readings change when Luke picks up a box, prompting questions about the relationship between weight, mass, and acceleration in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the distinction between weight and mass, with one attempting to calculate Luke's weight based on scale readings and acceleration. There are questions about the correct application of the formula F=MA and how to convert between units of mass and weight.

Discussion Status

Some participants are exploring the calculations related to weight and the effects of the elevator's acceleration. There is an ongoing dialogue about the correct interpretation of the scale readings and the underlying physics principles. No consensus has been reached, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of distinguishing between weight and mass, as well as the need to account for gravitational acceleration in their calculations. There is also mention of the specific values given in the problem and how they relate to the overall scenario.

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Homework Statement


Luke stands on a scale in an elevator which has a constant acceleration upward. The scale reads 0.968 kN. When Luke picks up a box of mass 18.6 kg, the scale reads 1.215 kN. (The acceleration remains the same.) Calculate the acceleration of the elevator (enter first). Is it up or down?

my answer: 3.48 m/s^2 up

Calculate Luke's weight.

Homework Equations


I can't get luke's weight, i know i use F=MA, but when i plugged in the knowns i got Kg, and it wants N.
 
Last edited:
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It's because the question is asking for his weight not his mass. If you can work out his "mass", your can work out his weight.
 
Ok, i did (968N/3.48) x (9.8)= 2725.97N yet it says I am wrong, any ideas?
 
The 968N comes from a combination of gravitational acceleration and the acceleration of the elevator.
 

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