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One way that we perceive weight is the normal force we experience from the ground. In physics problems, when you are asked to determine apparent weight, the quickest method is usually to compute the normal force provided by the "ground".

One way to experience a reduced apparent weight is to strap into a harness of ropes and have someone (or some weight) pull down on the other end like they do in theater or films. Another way is to jump into a swimming pool, where the water lifts up on you. Another possibility, which we explore in this problem, is to enter an environment where the "ground" is capable of moving, such as an elevator.

    Part A

    Suppose a person with a weight of 686 N is in an elevator which is descending at a constant rate of 1.0 m/s and speeding up at a rate of 3.0 m/s2. What is the person's apparent weight?

    Solution

    System:

    Person as a point particle.

    Interactions:

    External influences from the earth (gravity) and the floor of the elevator (normal force).

    Model:

    Point Particle Dynamics.

    Approach:

    Part B

    Suppose a person with a weight of 686 N is in an elevator which is ascending at a constant rate of 1.0 m/s and slowing down at a rate of 3.0 m/s2. What is the person's apparent weight?

    Solution

    System, Interactions and Model:

    As in Part A.

    Approach:

    As in Part A, the acceleration is negative in our coordinates. The free body diagram is also the same, and so we find the same result:

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    \begin

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    [ N = \mbox

    Unknown macro: {476 N}

    ]\end

    Part C

    Suppose a person with a weight of 686 N is in an elevator which is ascending at a constant rate of 1.0 m/s and speeding up at a rate of 3.0 m/s2. What is the person's apparent weight?

    Solution

    System, Interactions and Model:

    As in Part A.

    Approach:

    The free body diagram and form of Newton's 2nd Law is the same as in Part A, except that the relative size of the forces will be different. We can see this by writing Newton's 2nd Law for the y-direction:

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    \begin

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    [ N = ma_

    Unknown macro: {y}

    + mg ]\end

    This time, however, the acceleration is positive (ay = + 3.0 m/s2) giving:

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    \begin

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    [ N = \mbox

    Unknown macro: {896 N}

    ] \end

    Upward acceleration increases the perceived weight.

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