Elevator & Forces: Acceleration & Normal Force

In summary, the box in the elevator is experiencing an acceleration of zero as it falls freely downward. This is because both the box and the elevator are connected and experience the same force, resulting in no net acceleration for the box. This is similar to how a person on a moving bus experiences the same acceleration as the bus.
  • #1
wolves5
52
0
A box sits on the floor of an elevator, which is falling freely downward. Which one of the following statements is true?

a. The acceleration of the box is zero.
b. THe weight on the box is zero.
c. The normal force of the box is zero.

For this question, I'm debating between a and c. The elevator is accelerating, not the box. Therefore, the acceleration of the box is zero. The normal force of the box is calculated by mass times acceleration. If the acceleration is zero, the normal force is zero too. Is my reasoning right?
 
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  • #2
Both the box and the elevator would be experiencing the same force since they are connected essentially. It's similar to when you're on a bus, as the bus accelerates, you move with the bus as well with the same acceleration.
 
  • #3
wolves5:

Why do you think the box is not accelerating?

Is it moving downwards? Is it gaining speed as it moves downwards?
 

FAQ: Elevator & Forces: Acceleration & Normal Force

What is the relationship between forces and acceleration in an elevator?

In an elevator, the acceleration is directly related to the net force acting on it. If the net force is zero, the elevator will remain at a constant velocity. If the net force is greater than zero, the elevator will accelerate in the direction of the net force. This means that if the force of gravity pulling the elevator down is greater than the force pushing it up, the elevator will accelerate downwards.

How does the normal force affect an elevator?

The normal force is the force that a surface exerts on an object in contact with it. In an elevator, the normal force is what keeps the elevator from falling through the floor. As the elevator moves up or down, the normal force adjusts to equal the weight of the elevator and its occupants, creating a balanced force that keeps the elevator in motion.

What factors affect the acceleration of an elevator?

The acceleration of an elevator is affected by the net force acting on it, the mass of the elevator and its occupants, and the direction of the net force. If the net force increases, the acceleration will increase as well. Likewise, a heavier elevator or a net force in the opposite direction will result in a slower acceleration.

How does an elevator stop at a specific floor without crashing?

An elevator is equipped with a braking system that uses friction to slow down and stop the elevator at a specific floor. This system is controlled by the elevator's motor, which adjusts the speed and direction of the elevator to safely stop at the desired floor.

Can an elevator experience negative acceleration?

Yes, an elevator can experience negative acceleration, also known as deceleration or slowing down. This occurs when the net force acting on the elevator is in the opposite direction of its motion, causing it to slow down. This is often seen when an elevator is approaching a stop at a specific floor.

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