Math Problem Statement
An elevator accelerates upward at 1.2 m/s 2 . The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s 2 . What is the upward force exerted by the floor of the elevator on a(n) 99 kg passenger? Answer in units of N.
Solution
We can calculate the upward force exerted by the floor of the elevator on the passenger using Newton's Second Law:
Step 1: Identify the forces acting on the passenger
The forces acting on the passenger are:
- Weight of the passenger, , where:
- is the mass of the passenger,
- is the acceleration due to gravity.
- Normal force exerted by the floor of the elevator, , which we need to find.
The elevator is accelerating upward, so the net force on the passenger is a combination of gravity and the upward acceleration due to the elevator.
Step 2: Calculate the passenger's weight
Step 3: Use Newton's Second Law
Newton's second law states that the net force is the mass times the acceleration: Where:
- is the mass of the passenger,
- is the total acceleration (since both the gravitational force and the elevator's upward acceleration contribute).
So, the total acceleration is:
Step 4: Calculate the net force
Conclusion:
The upward force exerted by the floor of the elevator on the passenger is .
Would you like more details or have any questions on this? Here are some follow-up questions:
- How does the elevator's acceleration affect the force felt by the passenger?
- What would the force be if the elevator were accelerating downward instead of upward?
- How does the normal force change if the elevator moves at a constant velocity?
- What would the force be if the elevator was in free fall?
- How do you calculate the net force if the elevator were stationary?
Tip: Always remember to account for all the accelerations involved when calculating net forces!
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Newton's Second Law
Forces
Gravity
Acceleration
Formulas
F_net = ma_total
W = mg
a_total = g + a_elevator
Theorems
Newton's Second Law of Motion
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
Related Recommendation
Calculate Passenger Weight in an Accelerating Elevator - Physics Problem
Elevator Speed Calculation with Scale Readings Using Newton's Second Law
Calculate the Weight of a 68 kg Passenger in an Elevator at t=1s
Calculate Elevator Acceleration Using Newton's Second Law with Governor's Mass
Apparent Weight in an Elevator with Acceleration and Deceleration