Henry gets into an elevator on the 50th floor

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SUMMARY

Henry's maximum apparent weight in the elevator is recorded at 900.0 N, leading to a calculated mass of 91.84 kg using the formula m = w/g, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). The discussion highlights the need to analyze the elevator's motion to understand variations in apparent weight over time. Participants are encouraged to identify the points of maximum and minimum apparent weight on the provided graph, which reflects changes in acceleration during the elevator's movement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law of motion
  • Basic knowledge of weight and mass calculations
  • Familiarity with the concept of apparent weight
  • Graph interpretation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the effects of acceleration on apparent weight in elevators
  • Learn about free body diagrams in physics
  • Explore the relationship between mass, weight, and gravitational force
  • Investigate different types of elevator motion (e.g., accelerating, decelerating)
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion in elevators.

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Henry gets into an elevator on the 50th floor of a building and it begins moving at t=0.00 s. His apparent weight is shown over the next 36.0s


What is Henry's mass if his maximum apparent weight within the elevator is 900.0N?

so shouldn't it just be:
w = mg
m = w/g
= 900/9.8
= 91.84 kg

but I keep getting the answer wrong.
 

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Can you identify on your graph where the maximum apparent weight occurs? How about his minimum apparent weight?

attachment.php?attachmentid=62357&stc=1&d=1380638363.gif


What do you suppose is happening with the motion of the elevator to cause these readings? Where would you expect to see his normal apparent weight?
 

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