Question

A briefcase sits stationary in an elevator. The mass of the briefcase if 4.5 kg. The elevator then begins accelerating upwards at 1.10 m/s^2. What is the normal force on this briefcase during this acceleration?

A. 44.155 N
B. 38.971 N
C. 51.141 N
D. 48.985 N

Answer 1

D. 48.985 N

Step-by-step explanation:

Newton's second law states that:

`\sum F = ma`

which means that the net force acting on an object is equal to the product between the object's mass and its acceleration.

The equation of the forces for the briefcase in the elevator therefore is given by:

`N-mg=ma`

where

N is the normal reaction exerted on the briefcase

(mg) is the weight of the briefcase, with

m = 4.5 kg being its mass

g = 9.8 m/s^2 is the acceleration of gravity

a = 1.10 m/s^2 is the acceleration

Here we chose upward as positive direction.

Solving for N, we find the normal force:

`N=mg+ma=m(g+a)=(4.5)(9.81+1.10)=49.095 N`

So the closest answer is

D. 48.985 N