Question

question 2 (1 point) a person who normally weighs 580 n is riding in an elevator that is moving upward, but slowing down at a steady rate. if this person is standing on a bathroom scale inside the elevator, what would the scale read? a) more than 580 n b) it could be more or less than 580 n, depending on whether the magnitude of the acceleration is greater than or less than 9.8 m/s2. c) 580 n d) less than 580 n

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze forces on person

The forces acting on the person are the gravitational force $F_g = 580\ N$ (down - ward) and the normal force $N$ exerted by the scale (up - ward). According to Newton's second law, $F_{net}=ma$. The net force $F_{net}=F_g - N$ (taking down - ward as positive).

Step2: Determine acceleration direction

The elevator is moving upward but slowing down. So the acceleration $a$ of the elevator (and the person) is downward. Since $F_{net}=ma$ and $a>0$ (down - ward), $F_g - N>0$.

Step3: Rearrange for normal force

From $F_g - N>0$, we can rearrange to get $N=F_g - ma$. Since $ma>0$, $N < F_g$.

Answer:

d) less than 580 N