Gravitational Force elevator questions

In summary, a student standing on a bathroom scale in an elevator at rest on the 64th floor of a building weighs 836 N. As the elevator moves up, the scale reading increases to 935 N and then decreases back to 836 N. Using the equation Fnet = ma, the acceleration of the elevator can be calculated. Similarly, as the elevator approaches the 74th floor, the scale reading drops as low as 782 N. This drop in reading can be used to find the acceleration of the elevator. The scale readings represent the force exerted by the elevator on the student, and the elevator plays a crucial role in determining this force.
  • #1
sweet877
30
0
A student stands on a bathroom scale in an elevator at rest on the 64th floor of a building. The scale reads 836 N.
a) As the elevator moves up, the scale reading increases to 935 N, then decreases back to 836 N. Find the acceleration of the elevator.
b) As the elevator approaches the 74th floor, the scale reading drops as low as 782 N. What is the acceleration of the elevator?

Fnet = ma
F-mg = ma

This is all I've got so far...I'm thinking I need to find the force exerted by the elevator on the student. How?

Thanks.
 
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  • #3
Oh wow...thanks!
 
  • #4
The scale readings are the Force exerted by the elevator on the student.
Did you draw a sketch of this?
The only thing touching the student is the scale!
 
  • #5
I drew a diagram, but somehow mistakenly thought that it is the scale exerting the force, and the elevator played no part in it. I get it now! Thanks very much for your help, lightgrav!
 

FAQ: Gravitational Force elevator questions

What is the gravitational force elevator question?

The gravitational force elevator question is a hypothetical scenario where a person is standing in an elevator that is accelerating upwards. The question is about the force acting on the person while they are in the elevator.

How does the gravitational force affect the elevator?

The gravitational force between the person and the Earth is the same whether the person is in the elevator or not. The elevator's acceleration creates an additional force on the person, making it feel as though they are being pushed down into the elevator floor.

Does the weight of the person change in the elevator?

Although the person may feel heavier or lighter due to the acceleration of the elevator, their actual weight does not change. Weight is a measure of the gravitational force between an object and the Earth, and this force remains constant regardless of the elevator's movement.

What happens to the gravitational force if the elevator is in free fall?

If the elevator is in free fall, the person inside will experience weightlessness. This is because the elevator and the person are falling at the same rate, so there is no contact force between them. The gravitational force is still acting on the person, but it is canceled out by the acceleration of the elevator.

How does the gravitational force elevator question relate to Einstein's theory of relativity?

Einstein's theory of relativity states that gravity is not a force between masses, but rather a curvature of space and time caused by the presence of mass. In the gravitational force elevator question, the acceleration of the elevator creates an apparent force on the person, but in reality, it is the curvature of spacetime that is causing the person to feel heavier or lighter.

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