Negative Normal Force in Downward-Accelerating Elevator?

[devinmacd33]

If the elevator is accelerating downward, can you have a negative normal force being exerted on an elevator floor by a person? since the floor exerts an upward normal force on the person.

 

[tiny-tim]

Welcome to PF!

If the elevator is accelerating downward, can you have a negative normal force being exerted on an elevator floor by a person? since the floor exerts an upward normal force on the person.

Hi devinmacd33! Welcome to PF!

You can't have a negative reaction force … when the reaction force becomes zero, contact is lost.

(or do you mean is the person's force on the elevator floor downward? yes, whether the elevator is accelerating or not)