What is the Apparent Weight of a Passenger in Free Fall?

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The discussion focuses on the apparent weight of a passenger in free fall after being launched in a box. The true weight of the 75 kg passenger is calculated as 735 N using the formula w=mg. In free fall, the apparent weight is determined by the normal force, which becomes zero when acceleration equals gravitational acceleration. Therefore, the passenger experiences weightlessness, as the apparent weight is calculated to be 0 N. The conclusion confirms that the passenger feels no weight during free fall.
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Homework Statement


A box with a 75 kg passenger inside is launched straight up into the air by a Giant rubberband. After the box has left the rubberband but is still moving upward,

A) what is the passenger's true weight? This was fine it was just w=mg which is 75 * 9.8=735 N

B) what is the passenger's APPARENT weight? I'm thinking the object is in free fall so since the apparent weight equation comes from the magnitude of the contact force (the normal force from the box, which is equal to w + a) that supports the guy then wapparent=w + ay=mg + may=m(g + ay). Since ay=-g for free fall then w apparent = 9.8-9.8=0! So he would feel "weightless"?


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Your approach is correct. He would feel weightless.
 
graphene said:
Your approach is correct. He would feel weightless.

Great! Thanks!
 

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