Solving Elevator Question: 50kg = 300N

[gr3g1]

If a man weights 50kg, but a scale in the elevator says he is 300N, what can you say about the acceleration?

Thanks a lot

 

[verty]

What does a scale measure? What is it measuring in this question? What would a scale tell you on the moon?

 

[gr3g1]

The scale is weighing how heavy he is in Newtons

 

[Integral]

More correctly, he has a mass of 50kg. Weight is in Newtons. What is his weight in Newtons?

 

[ZapperZ]

If the man is 50kg, what would be his weight (W = mg) if the elevator is not moving, for example? Now compare this with what the scale is reading, and apply your experience by remembering what you felt the last time you were on an elevator.

Zz.

 

[gr3g1]

w = ma
300 = 50(a)

a = 6 m/s^2?

 

[verty]

Acceleration is a vector...

 

[gr3g1]

6ms^2 upwards?

 

[verty]

It almost seems you are just looking for answers. Figure out the answer.

 

[gr3g1]

I am, because it was a question on my test!

 

[verty]

It doesn't help to know an answer without understanding it. All the information is in this thread. Read through it again and try to understand.

 

[Integral]

w = ma
300 = 50(a)

a = 6 m/s^2?

Where did you get that value of a?