A student of mass 50 kg stands on a properly calibrated spring balance kept on the…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Force and Translational Dynamics · Force and Translational Dynamics
Problem
A student of mass 50 kg stands on a properly calibrated spring balance kept on the floor of an elevator. The elevator may accelerate in different ways during its motion.
(i) Define the terms actual weight and apparent weight of the student.
(ii) Explain, with suitable reasoning, how the reading of the spring balance changes when the elevator accelerates (a) upward and (b) downward with the same magnitude of acceleration.
(iii) If the elevator cable suddenly snaps and the elevator falls freely under gravity, what reading will the spring balance show? Give reason.
(iv) State the condition under which the apparent weight of the student becomes negative. Describe the physical meaning of a negative apparent weight.