A 36.0-kg child steps on a scale in an elevator. The scale reads 400 N. What is the magnitude of the acceleration of the elevator? A)4.91 m/s² B)9.81 m/s² C)46.9 m/s² D)0.206 m/s² E)1.30 m/s²

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The apparent weight (scale reading) is 400 N. The actual weight is 36.0 kg * 9.81 m/s² = 353.16 N. The difference is due to the elevator's acceleration. Using F = ma, the net force is 400 N - 353.16 N = 46.84 N. Thus, acceleration a = 46.84 N / 36.0 kg = 1.30 m/s².

A 360-Kg Child Steps on a Scale in an Elevator