Stationary elevator homework problem

In summary, the problem involves finding the apparent weight of a person standing on a scale in a stationary elevator while it is moving up at 8 m/s squared. To solve this, one can draw a diagram showing the forces on the person and use Newton's 2nd law to relate the net force to the acceleration. The apparent weight can be expressed in terms of the person's actual weight, with the acceleration upwards being equivalent to an increase in gravity from 9.8 to 17.8 m/s^2.
  • #1
ryan1357
1
0
I'm doing this Physics worksheet and I don't know how to do this problem...
Allison is standing on a scale that is in a stationary elevator. what is the apparent weight when she is moving up at 8 m/s squared?

If anyone can help that would be great.. And if you could explain the steps you used to get it.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
The scale reads the force that pushes up on the girl. Draw a diagram showing the forces on the girl (there are two). The net force on the girl is related to her acceleration by Newton's 2nd law. (Hint: you can express the girl's apparent weight in terms of her actual weight.)
 
  • #3
Just think of the acceleration upwards as more gravity.

The "gravity" has increased from 9.8 to 17.8 m/s^2.

Therefore her apparent weight is just her mass times the new "gravity".
 

Related to Stationary elevator homework problem

1. How does a stationary elevator homework problem differ from a moving elevator problem?

The main difference between a stationary and a moving elevator problem is that in a stationary elevator, the elevator is not moving and the forces acting on it are only due to the weight of the passengers and the elevator itself. In a moving elevator, there are additional forces such as acceleration and deceleration that need to be taken into account.

2. What are the key equations used to solve a stationary elevator homework problem?

The two main equations used to solve a stationary elevator problem are Newton's Second Law, which states that the sum of all forces acting on an object is equal to its mass times its acceleration, and the equation for calculating weight, which is weight = mass x gravitational acceleration.

3. How do you determine the normal force in a stationary elevator problem?

The normal force in a stationary elevator problem is equal to the weight of the passengers and the elevator itself. This is because the normal force is the force exerted by a surface to support an object, and in this case, the elevator floor is supporting the weight of the passengers and the elevator.

4. What is the significance of the direction of the normal force in a stationary elevator problem?

The direction of the normal force is important because it determines the direction of the force that is balancing the weight of the passengers and the elevator. If the normal force is downward, it means that the elevator is supported by the floor and is not moving. If the normal force is upward, it means that the elevator is not supported and is accelerating upwards.

5. How does the number of passengers affect the forces in a stationary elevator problem?

The number of passengers affects the forces in a stationary elevator problem because it increases the total weight that needs to be supported by the elevator floor. This, in turn, increases the normal force and the force of gravity. Therefore, the more passengers there are, the greater the forces that need to be considered in the problem.

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