Magnitude of force (elevator question)

[studybug]

Homework Statement

Pat Summit (60 kg) is standing in an elevator which has a
velocity of 10.0 m/s downward and an acceleration of 5.00
m/s^2 upward. What is the magnitude of the force exerted by
the floor of the elevator on her? Is the elevator speeding up
or slowing down?

Homework Equations

F=ma..

The Attempt at a Solution

I really am not sure where to start here..
I drew a free body diagram but, does acceleration count as a force?
How does velocity come into play?

 

[rock.freak667]

On the free body diagram, there is normal reaction and weight. So what is the resultant force 'ma' equal to?

 

[studybug]

I got the answer :)
using V*m + W - F = m*a_y... so..
F = (60*9.81) - (-5m/s^2)*m + (60kg * 10m/s)
thanks for the help.

 

[rock.freak667]

I got the answer :)
using V*m + W - F = m*a_y... so..
F = (60*9.81) - (-5m/s^2)*m + (60kg * 10m/s)
thanks for the help.

While I am glad to see that you got your answer, your equation doesn't seem to 'add' up

as

60*9.81 = N

5 m/s² * 60kg = N

60kg*10m/s = kgm/s


which means you are adding force+force+ momentum and getting force.