What Does the Scale Show When the Elevator Accelerates Upwards?

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In the discussion, a scenario is presented where a 60.0 kg woman is in an accelerating elevator with a total mass of 815 kg. The force applied by the hoisting cable is 9410 N, leading to an initial calculation of acceleration using F = ma, resulting in 11.5 m/s^2. However, the calculated normal force (Fn) of 1280 N is incorrect, as the expected answer is 645 N. Participants emphasize the importance of considering all forces acting on the elevator, particularly the gravitational force opposing the cable force. A suggestion is made to create a diagram to better visualize these forces for accurate calculations.
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Homework Statement



A 60.0 kg woman on a scale is in an elevator. The combined mass of the elevator and the woman is 815 kg. The elevator accelerated upwards, and during the acceleration, the hoisting cable applies a force of 9410 N. What does the scale read during the acceleration?

Homework Equations



F = ma.
Fn = mg + ma

Maybe there's more equations but I'm not sure.

The Attempt at a Solution



Well I first used F = ma to solve for a with F = 9410 and m = 815 kg. a comes out to be 11.5 m/s^2. Then I plugged a into the second equation to get Fn and I got 1280 N, but the answer is 645 N.
 
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Your acceleration is not correct. It may help to make a diagram of the forces acting on the elevator.
 
I don't understand the other forces acting on the elevator.
 
There is one other force acting on the elevator besides the cable force (hint: it points in the opposite direction and relates to the mass of the elevator).
 

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