Question

what is the force on a 1,000 kg elevator that is falling freely under the acceleration of gravity only?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Newton's second law

Newton's second law is \(F = ma\), where \(F\) is the force, \(m\) is the mass, and \(a\) is the acceleration.

Step2: Identify the values of \(m\) and \(a\)

The mass \(m = 1000\space kg\). When an object is in free - fall, the acceleration \(a = g=9.8\space m/s^{2}\) (acceleration due to gravity).

Step3: Calculate the force

Substitute \(m = 1000\space kg\) and \(a = 9.8\space m/s^{2}\) into \(F=ma\). So \(F=(1000\space kg)\times(9.8\space m/s^{2})\)

Answer:

\(9800\space N\)