Final answer:
In a decelerating elevator, the scale reading would be less than the person's normal weight due to a net downward acceleration reducing the normal force exerted by the scale.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an elevator is slowing down as it reaches the top, it decelerates. This deceleration, which is in the opposite direction of the upward movement, actually causes the scale reading to momentarily be less than the person's normal weight. This is because the net acceleration of the person is downward, reducing the normal force exerted by the scale against the person's feet. If the elevator were in free fall, accelerating downward at the acceleration due to gravity (g), the scale reading would be zero, and the person would experience weightlessness. The actual scale reading in a decelerating elevator, though, depends on the rate of deceleration. If the deceleration is less than g, the scale reading would be greater than zero but less than the actual weight.