Question

If a person steps on a scale in an elevator that is accelerating at a rate -1.100 m/s^2 (negative means downward while positive means upwards) and sees a scale reading of 598.900 Newtons what would the scale read if the elevator were not moving?

answer with correct units​

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

When the elevator is accelerating downwards, the apparent weight of the person is reduced, and when the elevator is accelerating upwards, the apparent weight is increased.

First, we need to determine the actual weight of the person. We can do this by using the formula:

Weight = mass x gravity

where mass is the mass of the person and gravity is the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.81 m/s^2.

Weight = (598.900 N) / (9.81 m/s^2) = 61.048 kg

Now, when the elevator is not moving, the person is only experiencing the force due to gravity, which is:

Weight = mass x gravity = (61.048 kg) x (9.81 m/s^2) = 598.78 N

Therefore, the scale would read approximately 598.78 Newtons when the elevator is not moving.