What force does the scale display in Newtons?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the force displayed by a scale when a person with a mass of 7 kg is in an elevator that is accelerating downward at 4.9 m/s². The context is rooted in Newton's second law of motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Newton's second law (F = ma) and question the units associated with the calculated force. There is also a query about whether the resulting force is automatically in Newtons.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to clarify the relationship between mass, acceleration, and force, with some participants providing guidance on unit conversions and the implications of using SI units. Multiple interpretations of the problem and its requirements are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need to use SI units for the calculations, and participants are encouraged to consider the implications of the elevator's acceleration on the force measured by the scale.

dreamgirl
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
Jasmine has a mass of 7 kg. He stands on a scale in an elevator that is accelerating downward at 4.9 m/sec ^2 . What force does the scale display in Newtons?Thank you for your help! :]

F = ma
i get 34.3

what is the unit i attach it to?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF!

dreamgirl said:
Jasmine has a mass of 7 kg. He stands on a scale in an elevator that is accelerating downward at 4.9 m/sec ^2 . What force does the scale display in Newtons?

Hi dreamgirl! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(please use the homework forum in future :wink:)

Use good ol' Newton's second law … F = ma …

what is the acceleration? and what is the force(s)?
 
Thanks for the welcome! :]

another question:
when i get it, is the number automatically in Newtons?

i get 34.3

what is the unit i attach it to?
 
SI units

dreamgirl said:
… when i get it, is the number automatically in Newtons? …

Hi dreamgirl! :smile:

Yes … so long as all your inputs are in SI units, the output will be in SI units also.

The inputs are kg and m and s, so the output will be in the SI unit of force, the Newton (small n, btw, like watt and joule … it's only a capital N for the symbol, like W and J :wink:).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
44
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K