Is Velocity Constant When Calculating Force in an Elevator?

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When calculating the force exerted on an elevator with a constant velocity of 4.0 m/s, the key point is that acceleration is zero since the velocity is constant. The force can be determined using the equation F = m(g + a), where 'a' is the acceleration. In this case, since the elevator is not accelerating, 'a' equals zero, making the force equal to the weight of the man, which is 80kg multiplied by the gravitational acceleration of 9.8 m/s². Therefore, the total force exerted on the elevator is 784 N. Understanding that constant velocity implies no acceleration is crucial for solving such problems.
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Homework Statement


An 80kg man stands on an elevator what force is exerted on the elevator if it is rising with a

constant velocity of 4.0 m/s. (take account of grvitational acceleration g=9.8m/s^2)

Homework Equations


F=ma



3)attempt to solve

the time and distance is not given so I could not find the aceleration at all if it were it woul be merely simple addition of acceleration multiplied by the mass

F=m(g+a) what i want to know is that how can u calculate it with just the velocity?
 
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If the velocity is constant, what's the acceleration?
 
Doc Al said:
If the velocity is constant, what's the acceleration?

then the acceleration is constant aswell... but what's the value of the acceleration
 
needguidance said:
then the acceleration is constant aswell... but what's the value of the acceleration
I want you to tell me the value of the acceleration. Just think about the definition of acceleration.

Hint: It's trivial, once you realize it.
 
-___- it would be the same as when it is stationary? 9.8m/s^s...but why? if its correct
 
needguidance said:
-___- it would be the same as when it is stationary? 9.8m/s^s...but why? if its correct
Careful. When moving at constant velocity you'll have the same acceleration as when stationary. But that's not 9.8 m/s^2!

9.8 m/s^2 is the acceleration something has when it's falling. Not when it's just sitting there.
 
needguidance said:
then the acceleration is constant aswell... but what's the value of the acceleration

Is the velocity is constant, then there is no acceleration. Correct?
 
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