Avoiding Elevator Problems: Solving for Force and Acceleration in an Elevator

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To solve the problem of an 80.0 kg person in an elevator accelerating downward at 3.5 m/s², it's important to apply Newton's second law, EF = ma. The person's weight is affected by the combined effect of gravitational acceleration and the elevator's downward acceleration, leading to a perceived lighter weight. The modified acceleration can be calculated by subtracting the elevator's acceleration from the gravitational acceleration. This results in a scale reading that reflects the reduced force acting on the person. Understanding these concepts is crucial for accurately determining the scale's reading in this scenario.
Toxage
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I'm having trouble with this problem:

A 80.0 kg person stands on a scale in an elevator.
(e) What does it read when the elevator is accelerating downward at 3.5 m/s2? In KG

I set it up as EF = ma , but it doesn't work out...

EF = MA
 
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How did you get on with parts (a) to (d) of the question? It would probably be useful to show some working and thought processes for those parts of the question, then people will have a better idea of how to help.
 
When an elevator goes downwards, you feel lighter. Note that all the person's weight normally comes from gravity acceleration. Find the modified acceleration of the elevator and gravity together, then compare that with just gravity.
 

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