Stuck on Elevator Weight - Analyzing the Readings

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the physics of weight measurement in an elevator scenario. When the elevator slows down, the scale registers a value less than 600 N due to the deceleration. When the elevator is stopped, the scale reads exactly 600 N, reflecting the gravitational force acting on the person. As the elevator accelerates downward, the scale shows a value less than 600 N again, indicating that the apparent weight decreases during downward acceleration. A free body diagram illustrates the forces acting on the person, including gravitational force and normal force from the scale.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of forces and weight measurement
  • Familiarity with free body diagrams
  • Concept of acceleration and deceleration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Newton's second law of motion in detail
  • Learn how to draw and interpret free body diagrams
  • Explore the effects of acceleration on weight perception
  • Investigate real-world applications of weight measurement in elevators
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of weight measurement in dynamic environments.

hatingphysics
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
:confused: I am having trouble answering this question...what is the answer?! HELP


Suppose you are in an elevator that is moving upward with a constant velocity. A scale inside the elevator shows your weight to be 600 N. (a) Does the scale register a value that is greater than, less than, or equal to 600 N during the time when the elevator slows down as it comes to a stop? (b) What is the reading when the elevator is stopped? (c) How does the value registered on the scale compare to 600 N during the time when the elevator picks up speed again on its way back down? Give your reasoning in each case.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Draw a free body diagram. What forces are acting on the person?
 

Similar threads

Elevator Motion and Bathroom Scale Readings
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Understanding Sign Conventions in Elevator Tension Problems
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
What is the difference between apparent weight and true weight in elevators?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Graduate Please Explain Elementary Physics Elevator Question
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Apparent weight of a man standing in an elevator
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
8K
Solving the Elevator Problem: Weight Measurement
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
12K
Forces, elevator, acceleration -- I have the answer, just explain it....
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
12K
Scale Reading in Elevator: Mass, Acceleration, and Velocity Calculations
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Weight in an elevator? Free body diagrams
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Determine the elevator's acceleration
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
4K