You are standing on a scale in an elevator. Suddenly you notice your weight decreases. What do you conclude?
A)The elevator is accelerating downwards.
B)The elevator is moving at a constant velocity upwards.
C)The elevator is accelerating upwards.
D)The elevator is moving at a constant velocity downwards.
E)Your diet is working.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the elevator accelerates downwards, the support force from the scale decreases, which makes you feel lighter, hence your weight appears to decrease on the scale. Constant velocity motion, either upwards or downwards, would not cause a change in your apparent weight on the scale, and neither would an upward acceleration (which would actually make you feel heavier).

You Are Standing on a Scale in an Elevator