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Help me solve this physics problem A simple elevator ride can teach you quite a

ID: 1422858 • Letter: H

Question

Help me solve this physics problem

A simple elevator ride can teach you quite a bit about the normal force as this rider below can (hopefully) tell you. There are three different scenarios given, detailing the rider's experience in an unnamed hotel. For each scenario, calculate the normal force, FN_1.3, acting on the rider if his mass is m = 75.1 kg and the acceleration due to gravity g = 9.81 m/s^2. In scenario 1, the elevator has constant velocity. In scenario 2 the elevator is moving with upward acceleration a_2 = 3.50 m/s^2. Finally, in scenario 3, unfortunately for the rider, the cable breaks and the elevator accelerates downward at a_3 = 9.81 m/s^2.

Explanation / Answer

We know from the force equation:

F-mg = ma

F = Normal Force, m =75.1 kg, g = 9.81 m/s2,

in scenerio 1:

acceleration is zero

hence F = mg = 75.1*9.81 = 736.731 N...........Ans.

In scenerio 2:

a = 3.5 m/s2

F = m(g+a) = 75.1(9.81 + 3.5) = 999.581 N.............Ans.

In scenerio 3:

when cables break , elevator goes downn by a = -g = 9.81 m/s2    acceleration , hence

F = m(g+a) = 75.1(9.81 - 9.81) = 0 N.............Ans.