Final answer:
In an elevator, the apparent weight of a person can vary depending on the scenario of motion. The apparent weight is greater when the elevator accelerates upward, equal to the actual weight when the elevator moves at a constant speed, and lower when the elevator accelerates downward. The apparent weight can be calculated using the equation W = mg, where W is the weight, m is the mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an elevator, the apparent weight of a person can vary depending on the scenario of motion. Let's calculate the apparent weight in each scenario:
(a) Accelerating upward with 2.46 m/s²:
Using the equation W = mg, where W is the weight, m is the mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), we can calculate the apparent weight:
W = 87.2 kg * (9.8 m/s² + 2.46 m/s²) = 1087.82 N
(b) Moving upward at a constant speed:
In this case, the elevator is not accelerating, so the apparent weight is the same as the actual weight:
W = 87.2 kg * 9.8 m/s² = 854.56 N
(c) Accelerating downward with 1.24 m/s²:
Using the same equation as before, we can calculate the apparent weight:
W = 87.2 kg * (9.8 m/s² - 1.24 m/s²) = 737.92 N