This greater-than-normal reading is caused by the elevator that is moving upward with acceleration a.
<h3>Further explanation</h3>
Newton's second law of motion states that the resultant force applied to an object is directly proportional to the mass and acceleration of the object.
F = Force ( Newton )
m = Object's Mass ( kg )
a = Acceleration ( m )
Let us now tackle the problem !
<em>We will use Newton's 2nd law formula for this problem.</em>
If the scale reads 30 newtons greater than his normal weight , then it means that the elevator is moving upward with acceleration a.
<em>How about if the elevator is moving downward with acceleration a?</em>
The scale will read 30 newtons less than his normal weight if the elevator is moving downward with acceleration a.
<em>How about if the elevator is moving downward with acceleration g?</em>
The scale will read 0 newtons if the elevator is moving downward with acceleration g. The man will feel weightless in this condition.
<h3>Learn more</h3>
<h3>Answer details</h3>
Grade: High School
Subject: Physics
Chapter: Dynamics
Keywords: Gravity , Unit , Magnitude , Attraction , Distance , Mass , Newton , Law , Gravitational , Constant