Question

In the previous question, what is the apparent weight of the 12-kg mass when the elevator is accelerating downward?

1) 40 N
2) 48 N
3) 72 N
4) 120 N

Answer 1

To calculate the apparent weight of a 12-kg mass in an accelerating elevator, we need to know the rate of acceleration. Without this, we cannot definitively determine the apparent weight from the options provided.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question on finding the apparent weight of a mass when an elevator is accelerating downward relates to the application of Newton's Second Law of Motion and concepts of weight and acceleration due to gravity. We want to determine the apparent weight (the reading a scale would show) of a 12-kg mass in this context. To do this, we must subtract the force due to the elevator's acceleration from the gravitational force acting on the mass. Knowing the mass (m) of the object and the acceleration (a) of the elevator, we can calculate the apparent weight (Wa) using the formula Wa = m(g - a), where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2). Since the acceleration of the elevator isn't given in the student's question, we need that information to complete the calculation.