A student of PHY215 class is conducting an experiment in a descending elevator w

Question

A student of PHY215 class is conducting an experiment in a descending elevator with a constant acceleration to measure the acceleration of the elevator alpha. His mass m is 80 kg. While he is the elevator, he measures his weight using a scale and found that his weight is 900 N. Find the normal force n on him in terms of m, a, and g (gravitional acceleration). Assume g and n have positive values and the sign of the acceleration will be decided in part (b). Then calculate the value of the elevator's acceleration including its sign using all the numerical values given.

Explanation / Answer

weight due to gravity = mg

weight in elevator = mg + ma

a)

normal force (n) = m(g + a)

b)

weight in elevator = mg + ma

900 = 80(9.8 + a)

9.8 + a = 90/8 = 11.25

a = 1.45 m/s2   {direction down}

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