Is Velocity Constant When Calculating Force in an Elevator?

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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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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?