Elevator Weight and Acceleration

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the acceleration of an elevator and Luke's weight while standing on a scale. The scale reads 0.968 kN when the elevator accelerates upward, and 1.215 kN when Luke lifts an 18.6 kg box. The calculated acceleration of the elevator is 3.48 m/s² upward. Users are confused about calculating Luke's weight, mistakenly converting values and mixing mass with weight. The correct approach involves using the net force equation, factoring in both gravitational and elevator acceleration to find accurate results.
BMWPower06
Messages
92
Reaction score
0

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:
Physics news on Phys.org
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.
 

Thread 'Bernoulli vs real life experiment'

If have close pipe system with water inside pressurized at P1= 200 000Pa absolute, density 1000kg/m3, wider pipe diameter=2cm, contraction pipe diameter=1.49cm, that is contraction area ratio A1/A2=1.8 a) If water is stationary(pump OFF) and if I drill a hole anywhere at pipe, water will leak out, because pressure(200kPa) inside is higher than atmospheric pressure (101 325Pa). b)If I turn on pump and water start flowing with with v1=10m/s in A1 wider section, from Bernoulli equation I...
View full post »

Similar threads

Calculate elevator acceleration using mass
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Solving simultaneous equations F = ma
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Calculating Elevator Acceleration: Solve for F=ma
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Pushing a block against the wall of an elevator that is accelerating
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
2K
Elevator Motion and Bathroom Scale Readings
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Power To Accelerate 1000kg Elevator Cab Upward
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
Understanding Sign Conventions in Elevator Tension Problems
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Apparent weight of a man standing in an elevator
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
8K
Mechanics: Elevator Accelerating Downward
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
Determine the elevator's acceleration
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K