How Does Elevator Acceleration Affect Scale Readings?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving an elevator's acceleration and its effect on scale readings. The scenario includes a student standing on a scale inside an elevator, with specific forces and weights provided.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's second law (F=ma) and the interpretation of forces acting on the scale. There are attempts to separate forces into components, although some express confusion about the necessity of an x-axis in this context.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning assumptions about the forces involved and clarifying the role of the scale. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of forces, but there is no explicit consensus on the approach to solving the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on adhering to forum rules regarding providing hints rather than complete solutions, which may influence the nature of the responses and guidance offered in the discussion.

chs60815
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1. A 600 N physics student stands on a bathroom scale in an 814 kg (including the student) elevator that is supported by a cable. As the elevator starts moving, the scale reads 464 N .
1) Find the magnitude of the acceleration of the elevator.

2.F=ma ?

3.I tried to separate into y and x equations and find the values but it didn't work.
 
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welcome to pf!

hi chs60815! welcome to pf! :wink:
chs60815 said:
… 2.F=ma ?

3.I tried to separate into y and x equations and find the values but it didn't work.

x ?? which way is this elevator going?? :confused:

F = ma should do it …

show us your full calculations, and then we'll see what went wrong! :smile:
 
there is no need for x.
For the question you need to be clear on one thing. The scale just shows the amount of force you give it while standing.
 
No x-axis interactions are happening.
Answer: 600N-X(force caused by elevator)=464N
x=136N=ma
136N/814kg=.167m/s^2
 
mattwoerd said:
No x-axis interactions are happening.
Answer: 600N-X(force caused by elevator)=464N
x=136N=ma
136N/814kg=.167m/s^2

Hey mattwoerd,
It seems you are new to PF. I should tell you something- you are not supposed to solve the whole question in the post. You should only give hints or clear doubts. Read PF rules.
 

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