Final answer:
The force exerted by the elevator's floor on the 52-kg passenger, when the elevator accelerates downward at 2.4 m/s², is -124.8 N.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the elevator accelerates downward at a rate of 2.4 m/s², the force exerted by the elevator's floor on the 52-kg passenger can be calculated using Newton's second law, which states that force equals mass multiplied by acceleration. In this case, the mass is 52 kg and the acceleration is -2.4 m/s² (negative because it's downward). Therefore, the force exerted by the elevator's floor is:
Force = mass × acceleration
Force = 52 kg × (-2.4 m/s²)
Force = -124.8 N
So, the floor of the elevator exerts a downward force of 124.8 Newtons on the passenger.