would someone in a lift feel lighter or heavier as it accelerated upwards? explain your answer.
To understand whether a person in a lift would feel lighter or heavier as it accelerates upwards, let's break down the concept of acceleration.
Acceleration is the rate at which an object changes its velocity. When an object accelerates, it experiences a net force acting upon it. In the case of an elevator, this force is provided by the tension in the cables or hydraulic systems that move the lift.
Now, let's consider the two scenarios:
1. If the lift is accelerating upwards:
When the lift accelerates upwards, it means that the net force acting upon the lift and its occupants is in the upward direction. This upward net force on the lift creates an apparent weight for the occupants inside. In this scenario, the person in the lift would feel heavier as they experience the force of the floor pushing up against them, simulating a greater gravitational force.
2. If the lift is accelerating downwards:
Conversely, when the lift is accelerating downwards, the net force acting upon the lift and its occupants is in the downward direction. As a result, the occupants will experience a decrease in the apparent weight as the floor pushes up with a force less than the actual gravitational force. Therefore, the person in the lift would feel lighter in this scenario.
In both cases, it's important to note that the actual gravitational force on the person remains constant. However, the apparent weight, which is the force exerted by the floor of the lift, changes as a result of the acceleration experienced by the lift.