Weighing Something in an Elevator

[PhysicsAdvice]

If you were to way an object on a Newton spring scale in an elevator, when would the scale display the largest number?

elevator moving up
moving down
no affect


In my opinion, an acceleration in the elevator would be required, as that would unbalance the forces and was traveling at a constant velocity there would be no affect. I feel as though if anything it would be on the way up rather than down that the scale might read more but this is more a hunch than anything, looking forward to your thoughts!

 

[PhanthomJay]

If you were to way an object on a Newton spring scale in an elevator, when would the scale display the largest number?

elevator moving up
moving down
no affect


In my opinion, an acceleration in the elevator would be required, as that would unbalance the forces and was traveling at a constant velocity there would be no affect.

You are correct, the problem is not worded correctly

I feel as though if anything it would be on the way up rather than down that the scale might read more but this is more a hunch than anything, looking forward to your thoughts!

This is correct, but rather tnan make it a hunch, apply Newton's 2nd law...the net force must be in the direction of the acceleration.