What Does the Scale Read When the Elevator Moves Downward?

[Nirupt]

Homework Statement

Harold has a mass of 72.2 kg, and is standing on a scale in an elevator cab. What will the scale read if the elevator is moving downwards at a constant 0.050 m/s?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Since the scale has a normal force upward and Harold has an identical normal force downward (assuming this is correct). Well that means that the only thing affecting the scales weight is the mass * acceleration correct?

A free body diagram showed ma downward and I'm not sure if I was suppose to draw anything else (I drew the normal force but wasn't sure if it was equal to anything)

In a separate attempt the weight = mg

so W = 72.2 * 9.8 = 708N

*EDIT = I didn't realize that the acceleration is 0 since velocity is constant until now

 

[SammyS]

Homework Statement

Harold has a mass of 72.2 kg, and is standing on a scale in an elevator cab. What will the scale read if the elevator is moving downwards at a constant 0.050 m/s?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Since the scale has a normal force upward and Harold has an identical normal force downward (assuming this is correct). Well that means that the only thing affecting the scales weight is the mass * acceleration correct?

A free body diagram showed ma downward and I'm not sure if I was suppose to draw anything else (I drew the normal force but wasn't sure if it was equal to anything)

In a separate attempt the weight = mg

so W = 72.2 * 9.8 = 708N

*EDIT = I didn't realize that the acceleration is 0 since velocity is constant until now

Does this mean you have found your answer?