Solving a Simple Force Problem: Acceleration and Apparent Weight Calculation

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the apparent weight of a woman standing on a scale in an accelerating elevator. Given her mass of 65.0 kg and the elevator's combined mass with the scale at 815 kg, the total mass is 880 kg. The upward force applied by the hoisting cable is 9450 N. The correct approach involves using the formula for apparent weight, which is calculated as apparent weight = mg + ma, where 'm' is the total mass and 'a' is the acceleration derived from the net forces acting on the system.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's Second Law (F=ma)
  • Basic knowledge of forces and apparent weight
  • Ability to perform calculations involving mass and acceleration
  • Familiarity with the concept of net forces in a system
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the acceleration of the elevator using the net force and total mass
  • Explore the concept of apparent weight in non-inertial reference frames
  • Review examples of force calculations in physics problems
  • Study the effects of varying acceleration on apparent weight
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Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding dynamics and forces in real-world applications, particularly in scenarios involving acceleration and apparent weight calculations.

BoogieL80
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I'm working on the current problem:

A woman stands on a scale in a moving elevator. Her mass is 65.0 kg, and the combined mass of the elevator and scale is an additional 815 kg. Starting from rest, the elevator accelerates upward. During the acceleration, the hoisting cable applies a force of 9450 N. What does the scale read during the acceleration?

I figured out that the woman exerts a force of 637N. I also figured out that the scale and elevator exert a downward force of 7987 N. I added both of those forces and then tried finding the difference between the upward motion of 9450 N and 8624 N. That was incorrect.

I then tried using the formula apparent weight = mg + ma. I figured if I could calculate the acceleration for that equation I would derive the apparent weight the scale was reading. However, using the sum of the forces in the Y direction (subtracting 9450 N from 8624 N) and dividing that with 65.0 kg gets me basically the same answer as before. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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You can find a in your apparent weight equation using the total mass of the system (880 kg) and the upward force (9450 N)

F=ma
 

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