What does a scale read in an elevator at rest?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a scenario involving a man standing on a scale in an elevator, specifically focusing on the reading of the scale when the elevator is at rest. The subject area pertains to forces and equilibrium in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between normal force and gravitational force, questioning whether the scale reading remains the same when the elevator is stationary.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confidence in their reasoning regarding the scale reading, while others seek to confirm their understanding of the forces at play. There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts without a definitive conclusion reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of equilibrium in the context of the problem, with an emphasis on the forces acting on the man in the elevator.

Jedi
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I know you must get these all of the time but...

There is a man standing on a scale in an elevator reading 490N. When the elevator is at rest what does the scale read?

I want to say 490 N because the elevator is in equilibrium, but I'm not sure...
 
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Maybe this would help as you know normal force and force of gravity cancels so you would be left with the same amount of Newtons if there were at rest.
 
Thank you. That's what I thought.
 
Thank you. That's what I thought.
 

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