Question

The apparent weight of a passenger in an elevator is greater than his true weight. Which one of the following is true?

1) The elevator is accelerating upwards
2) The elevator is accelerating downwards
3) The elevator is moving at a constant velocity
4) The elevator is at rest

Answer 1

The apparent weight of a passenger in an elevator is greater than his true weight when the elevator is accelerating upwards or downwards. When the elevator reaches a constant velocity, the scale reading becomes equal to the person's weight.

Step-by-step explanation:

The apparent weight of a passenger in an elevator is greater than his true weight when the elevator is accelerating upwards or downwards. As the elevator accelerates, the scale reading increases because it needs to exert a greater force to accelerate the person up or down. When the elevator reaches a constant velocity, the scale reading becomes equal to the person's weight, indicating that the elevator is moving at a constant velocity.