Question

Calculate the apparent weight of an elevator attendant (m = 84 kg) if the elevator is accelerating downward at 2.80 m/s2.

Answer 1

Let's apply the Newton's Second Law of Motion:

$$N-mg=-ma,$$ $$N=mg-ma=m(g-a),$$ $$N=84\ kg\cdot(9.8\ \dfrac{m}{s^2}-2.80\ \dfrac{m}{s^2})=588\ N.$$

Answer:

$N=588\ N.$