Suitcase in elevator - Find pressure on the floor

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    Elevator Pressure
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the pressure exerted by a suitcase in an accelerating elevator. The suitcase has a mass of 16 kg and dimensions of 0.50 m by 0.14 m. The correct calculation involves determining the force using the formula F = ma, where the effective acceleration is adjusted for the upward movement of the elevator. The final pressure calculated should be 320 Pa, but the user identifies a miscalculation related to the force when the elevator descends, indicating the need to use m*(g-a) for accurate results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's second law of motion (F = ma)
  • Basic knowledge of pressure calculation (P = F/A)
  • Familiarity with units of measurement (Pascal, kg, m/s²)
  • Concept of gravitational acceleration (g = 9.81 m/s²)
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the principles of dynamics in non-inertial reference frames
  • Study the effects of acceleration on weight and pressure in fluid mechanics
  • Learn about pressure variations in different gravitational contexts
  • Explore advanced applications of pressure calculations in engineering scenarios
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of pressure in accelerating systems, particularly in relation to elevators and similar scenarios.

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1.A suitcase (mass m = 16 kg) is resting on the floor of an elevator. The part of the suitcase in contact with the floor measures 0.50 m by 0.14 m. The elevator is moving upward, the magnitude of its acceleration being 1.40 m/s2. What pressure (in excess of atmospheric pressure) is applied to the floor beneath the suitcase?



2. P=F/A



3.
Force=ma = 16kg*9.1.4m/s/s=22.4
A= .5m*.14m= .07
F/A= 22.4/.07
P= 320 Pa
This is wrong, can someone tell me where I went wrong?
 
Last edited:
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Force on the suitcase in a descending lift is m*(g-a).
 

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