What is the apparent weight of a 55 kg person in an elevator accelerating downward at 2.2 m/s2?
apparent weight=m(9.8-2.2)
To determine the apparent weight of a person in an elevator accelerating downward, we first need to understand the concept of apparent weight.
Apparent weight is the force experienced by an object or person in a non-inertial frame of reference, such as an elevator moving with acceleration. It is not the actual weight, but rather the force perceived to be acting on the object.
In this case, the apparent weight can be calculated using Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to the mass of the object multiplied by its acceleration.
Here's how to calculate the apparent weight of the person:
1. Determine the downward force acting on the person:
- We know the mass of the person is 55 kg.
- The acceleration of the elevator is 2.2 m/s².
- The force can be calculated using Newton's second law of motion: force = mass × acceleration.
So, force = 55 kg × 2.2 m/s².
2. Calculate the apparent weight:
- Since the person is in an elevator moving downward, the net force acting on them is the difference between their actual weight and the force due to acceleration.
- In this case, the actual weight of the person is given by the formula: weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity.
- The acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s².
- The actual weight can be calculated as: weight = 55 kg × 9.8 m/s².
The apparent weight is then the difference between the actual weight and the force due to acceleration:
apparent weight = weight - force.
By substituting the values obtained, we can calculate the apparent weight of the person in the elevator.