How Does Elevator Acceleration Affect Scale Readings?

[chs60815]

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.

 

[tiny-tim]

welcome to pf!

hi chs60815! welcome to pf!

… 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??

F = ma should do it …

show us your full calculations, and then we'll see what went wrong!

 

[ashishsinghal]

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.

 

[mattwoerd]

No x-axis interactions are happening.
Answer: 600N-X(force caused by elevator)=464N
x=136N=ma
136N/814kg=.167m/s^2

 

[ashishsinghal]

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.