Question

What is the normal force acting on a 50-kg person who accelerates upward at 2.0 m/s²? Use g = ~10 N/kg.

(a) 500 N
(b) 400 N
(c) 600 N
(d) 300 N

Answer 1

• 600 N

Step-by-step explanation:

Here since the person is accelerating upwards, he is in non intetial frame .

To solve this we need to consider suitable pseudo force .

Pseudo force is numerically equal to the mass of the person times acceleration of the frame of reference and it's direction is opposite to the direction of acceleration of frame of reference.

Hence here,

• Normal force will act vertically upwards on the person.
• Weight of the person will act vertically downwards.
• Pseudo force will acts vertically downwards ( as the frame is accelerating upwards. )

Hence ,

→ N - mg = ma

→ N = mg + ma

→ N = m(g+a)

On substituting the respective values, we have;

→ N = 50 kg ( 10m/s² + 2m/s²)

→ N = 50 kg × 12m/s²

→ N = 600 kg-m/s²

→ N = 600 N

Henceforth the normal force acting on the person is 600 N .

Answer 2

The normal force acting on a 50-kg person who accelerates upward at 2.0 m/s² is 400 N.

Step-by-step explanation:

The normal force is the force exerted by a surface to support the weight of an object resting on it. In this case, the person is accelerating upward, so the normal force will be less than the person's weight. The normal force can be calculated using the equation:

Normal Force = Weight - (Mass x Acceleration)

Weight = Mass x Gravity

Plugging in the given values:

Weight = 50 kg x 10 N/kg = 500 N

Normal Force = 500 N - (50 kg x 2.0 m/s²) = 400 N