What Happens to a Person in an Accelerating Elevator?

[paklun12345]

I have a question.

If a person is in an elevator, and the elevator is accelerating down faster than the gravitational acceleration on the person, then what would happen to the person? Is he going to hit the ceiling? Does the answer have something to do with air?

 

[Hootenanny]

Hi there and welcome to PF,

A similar question was asked before and the thread is located https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=120110". I suggest you read the thread first and then come back here with any questions you may have.

 

[Meir Achuz]

I have a question.

If a person is in an elevator, and the elevator is accelerating down faster than the gravitational acceleration on the person, then what would happen to the person? Is he going to hit the ceiling? Does the answer have something to do with air?

He would rise toward the ceiling.
Air does not affect a person, but would affect a helium balloon,
which would pull toward the floor.