Solving Elevator Problem: a-g Acceleration

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the concept of acceleration in an elevator scenario. When traveling upward with an acceleration of a, the net acceleration experienced is simply a, not a-g. The weight registered on a scale in the elevator would be calculated as m(a+g), where m represents mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with the concept of acceleration and gravitational force.
  • Knowledge of how scales measure weight in different acceleration environments.
  • Basic mathematical skills for calculating forces and accelerations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of Newton's laws of motion in varying gravitational fields.
  • Learn about the effects of acceleration on weight measurement in different contexts.
  • Explore the concept of relative acceleration in physics.
  • Study the implications of acceleration in engineering applications, such as elevator design.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of motion in varying acceleration scenarios, particularly in relation to gravitational effects.

oneplusone
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hello,

if i am traveling upward in an elevator with acceleration [itex]a[/itex], would the net acceleration be
[itex]a-g[/itex]?

thanks.
 
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hi oneplusone! :smile:

there's no such thing as net acceleration

if your acceleration is a, then your acceleration is a !

(you can add, or subtract, relative accelerations, but that's not relevant here)
 
oneplusone said:
if i am traveling upward in an elevator with acceleration [itex]a[/itex], would the net acceleration be
[itex]a-g[/itex]?

Your acceleration relative to the surface of the Earth would be ##a##.

If you were standing on a scale, it would register your weight as ##m(a+g)## where ##m## is your mass.
 

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