Acceleration of object in a moving lift

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of how the acceleration of a body released in a moving lift would appear to someone inside the lift compared to someone outside the lift. Both individuals would observe the body falling at a constant velocity of "g" downwards, suggesting that the acceleration is the same for both. However, there is difficulty in visualizing the scenario, with the person outside the lift possibly perceiving the body falling slower. Additional factors, such as work done, may also play a role in the observed acceleration.
  • #1
Kushal
438
1
A small body is released so that it falls to the floor of a lift moving downwards at a constant velocity. How would the acceleration of the body as observed by someone in the lift compared with that observed by a person stationary with respevt to the lift shaft?
 
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  • #2
What are your thougts so far? Work done, etc
 
  • #3
acceleration of body as observed by someone in lift is "g" downwards and by someone stationary is also "g" downward
 
  • #4
i'm having much trouble visualizing what is happening... for the person in the lift, i don't think he would be seeing the ball falling differently as it should be actually falling...
the person outside the lift should perhaps be seeing it falling slower...
 

FAQ: Acceleration of object in a moving lift

What is the acceleration of an object in a moving lift?

The acceleration of an object in a moving lift is dependent on the direction of the lift's motion. If the lift is moving upwards, the acceleration of the object will be greater than if the lift is moving downwards. This is because the object is experiencing the force of the lift's motion in addition to the force of gravity.

How does the acceleration of an object in a moving lift compare to the acceleration of an object in free fall?

The acceleration of an object in a moving lift is not constant, as it depends on the lift's motion. However, if the lift is moving at a constant speed, the acceleration of the object will be the same as if the object were in free fall. This is because in both cases, the only force acting on the object is gravity.

What factors affect the acceleration of an object in a moving lift?

The acceleration of an object in a moving lift is affected by the direction and speed of the lift's motion, as well as the mass of the object and the force of gravity. The angle of the lift's motion and the presence of other forces, such as air resistance, can also affect the acceleration of the object.

Can an object accelerate in a lift that is not moving?

No, an object cannot accelerate in a lift that is not moving. In order for an object to accelerate, there must be a net force acting on it. In a stationary lift, the only force acting on the object is gravity, which causes it to experience a constant acceleration of 9.8 m/s^2 towards the ground.

How does the acceleration of an object in a moving lift change if the lift changes direction?

If the lift changes direction, the acceleration of the object will also change. When the lift is accelerating or decelerating, the object will experience a greater or lesser acceleration, respectively, depending on the direction of the lift's motion. If the lift is changing direction but maintaining a constant speed, the acceleration of the object will be zero, as the forces acting on the object are balanced.

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