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Hello, I am unsure as to why the apparent weight increases as the person in an e

ID: 1865052 • Letter: H

Question

Hello, I am unsure as to why the apparent weight increases as the person in an elevator accelerates upwards. Mathematically it makes sense with net F = ma and setting net F equal to normal force (Fn) plus weight (mg) and then setting Fn - mg = ma, solve for Fn to have Fn = mg +ma. It's clear that as you accelerate upwards the apparenent weight increases based on the equation. My conceptual understanding is that if you increase acceleration (as when the elevator is moving upwards) then the force must increase, so that means that since the person in the elevator is accelerating, then the normal force exerted on the person must also increase. Please let me know if this is correct, thanks.

Explanation / Answer

When elevator is moving up... apparent wait W=m(a+g) > mg . It is correct that normal force N = m(a+g). According to third law of motion "Apparent weight is actually equals to normal reaction by floor" higher the value of normal reaction , higher the apparent weight.

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