A 60kg man stands on a weighing balance in an elevator. If the elevator accelerates upwards at 5ms\(^{-2}\), determine the reading of the scale. [g = 10ms\(...
A 60kg man stands on a weighing balance in an elevator. If the elevator accelerates upwards at 5ms\(^{-2}\), determine the reading of the scale. [g = 10ms\(^{-2}\)]
Answer Details
The reading of the scale in this situation is equal to the weight of the man plus the force due to the acceleration of the elevator. The weight of the man can be calculated as follows:
Weight = mass x gravity
Weight = 60kg x 10ms\(^{-2}\)
Weight = 600N
The force due to the acceleration of the elevator can be calculated as follows:
Force = mass x acceleration
Force = 60kg x 5ms\(^{-2}\)
Force = 300N
Adding these two forces together, we get the total force acting on the man:
Total force = Weight + Force due to acceleration
Total force = 600N + 300N
Total force = 900N
So the reading of the scale would be 900N.