Question

An elevator is moving down with an acceleration of `3.36` `m``/``s^2`. What would be the apparent weight of a `64.2` `kg` man in the elevator?

Answer 1

414.448 N

Explanation:

Apparent Weight = `m(g - a)` if the elevator is coming down.

Just use the formula to find it.

So Apparent Weight = `64.2 (9.8- 3.36)` N

`color(white)(xxxxxxxxxxxxx)`= `64.2 * 6.44` N

`color(white)(xxxxxxxxxxxxx)`= `413.448` N

Now I will Explain what is Happening Inside the elevator.

While moving down,

The weight of the man = mg
And the acceleration of the lift = a;

So, Force exerted on the lift = ma; [Here m is the total mass of the man and the elevator]

It is not falling freely, so the a must be less than g.

So, Some Force is restricting the free fall. The force is Normal Reaction.

So, Normal Reaction = R = mg - ma = m(g-a)

Which is the weight man will feel inside the elevator.

Hence explained my answer.