Question

An elevator accelerates upward at 1.2 m/s2. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 . What is the upward force exerted by the floor of the elevator on a(n) 65 kg passenger? Answer in units of N. 021 (part 2 of 2) 10.0 points If the same elevator accelerates downwards with an acceleration of 1.2 m/s2, what is the upward force exerted by the elevator floor on the passenger? Answer in units of N.

Answer 1

force=mass times acceleration

the person exerts a constant downward force of 9.8*65=637N

in order for the elevator to accelerate upward at 1.2m/s^2, it has to provide a force of 1.2*65=78N

the total force needed is the sum of those 2 or 637+78 or 715N upward

part 2

elevator accelerates downards

so that will be the difference between the 2 forces or 637-78 or 559N upward