Question

Eric has a mass of 80 kg. He is standing on a scale in an elevator that is accelerating downward at 1.7 m/s2. What is the approximate reading on the scale? Eric has a mass of 80 . He is standing on a scale in an elevator that is accelerating downward at 1.7 . What is the approximate reading on the scale? 0 N 650 N 780 N 920 N

Answer 1

To solve this problem it is necessary to apply the concepts related to the Force of Gravity and the Normal Force that act on the body.

The Gravity Force on Eric would be given by

$F_g = mg$

$F_g = (80)(9.8)$

$F_g = 784N$

To find the normal Force we must also consider downward acceleration therefore

$F_N = M(-g+a)$

$F_N = (80)(-9.8+1.7)$

$F_N = -648N$

Since the Normal Force is the Reaction Force the approximate reading on the scale is 650N