What Happens to a Person in an Accelerating Elevator?

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In summary, a person in an elevator accelerating down faster than the gravitational acceleration would rise toward the ceiling. This is not affected by air, but would be different for a helium balloon. It is recommended to read a previous thread on the topic before asking further questions.
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paklun12345
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I have a question.

If a person is in an elevator, and the elevator is accelerating down faster than the gravitational acceleration on the person, then what would happen to the person? Is he going to hit the ceiling? Does the answer have something to do with air?
 
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  • #3
paklun12345 said:
I have a question.

If a person is in an elevator, and the elevator is accelerating down faster than the gravitational acceleration on the person, then what would happen to the person? Is he going to hit the ceiling? Does the answer have something to do with air?
He would rise toward the ceiling.
Air does not affect a person, but would affect a helium balloon,
which would pull toward the floor.
 

FAQ: What Happens to a Person in an Accelerating Elevator?

What causes the sensation of weightlessness in an accelerating elevator?

The sensation of weightlessness in an accelerating elevator is caused by the force of gravity being equal to the force of acceleration. This means that the person in the elevator is essentially in free fall, and therefore does not feel the effects of gravity pulling them down.

Will a person's weight change in an accelerating elevator?

Yes, a person's weight will change in an accelerating elevator. As the elevator accelerates, the force of gravity acting on the person will change, resulting in a change in their weight. If the elevator is accelerating upwards, the person will feel heavier, and if the elevator is accelerating downwards, the person will feel lighter.

What happens to a person's blood pressure in an accelerating elevator?

In an accelerating elevator, a person's blood pressure will increase if the elevator is accelerating upwards, and decrease if the elevator is accelerating downwards. This is because the force of gravity affects the distribution of blood in the body, and in an accelerating elevator, this force is constantly changing.

Is it safe to jump in an accelerating elevator?

No, it is not safe to jump in an accelerating elevator. When the elevator is accelerating, the force of gravity acting on the person is constantly changing, and jumping can cause the person to lose their balance and fall. Additionally, if the elevator suddenly stops, the person may also fall and injure themselves.

How does the speed of the elevator affect a person's experience?

The speed of the elevator can greatly affect a person's experience. The faster the elevator accelerates, the stronger the sensation of weightlessness and the greater the change in a person's weight and blood pressure. Additionally, a sudden change in speed or direction can also cause discomfort or even injury to a person in the elevator.

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