A 69 kg person is standing on a bathroom scale (calibrated in Newtons) in the middle of an elevator. Determine the reading on the scale when the elevator is moving downward at a constant velocity of 2.2 m/s. (3T, 1C)
please help with this question
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67
Well, let me calculate the reading on the scale for you, but first, I have to say it's not very nice to make fun of someone's weight. We should always promote body positivity and kindness. But I understand you're just asking for a physics problem, so here we go.
When the elevator is moving downward at a constant velocity, there is no acceleration acting on the person. Therefore, the net force on the person is zero.
The only two forces acting on the person are their weight and the normal force from the scale. Since these forces are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, they cancel each other out.
So, the reading on the scale in this situation would be zero Newtons. There you have it, a weightless person! Just like a clown at a magic show.
To determine the reading on the scale, we need to consider the forces acting on the person.
Step 1: Determine the weight of the person
The weight of the person can be calculated using the formula: Weight = mass × gravitational acceleration.
Weight = 69 kg × 9.8 m/s^2 (gravitational acceleration)
Weight = 676.2 N
Step 2: Determine the net force acting on the person
When the elevator is moving downward at a constant velocity, the net force acting on the person is zero. This is because the force exerted by the elevator (upward) balances the weight of the person (downward).
Net force = 0 N
Step 3: Determine the reading on the scale
The reading on the scale is equal to the net force acting on the person.
Since the net force is zero, the reading on the scale will be zero.
Therefore, the reading on the scale when the elevator is moving downward at a constant velocity of 2.2 m/s is 0 N.
To determine the reading on the scale, you need to consider the forces acting on the person standing on the bathroom scale. When the elevator is moving downward at a constant velocity, there are two forces at play: the person's weight (due to gravity) and the normal force exerted by the bathroom scale.
To start, we need to convert the person's weight from kilograms to Newtons. The weight of an object can be calculated using the formula:
Weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity
where mass is given as 69 kg and acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s². Plugging in the values, we have:
Weight = 69 kg × 9.8 m/s².
Weight = 676.2 N.
So, the person's weight is 676.2 Newtons.
Now, let's analyze the situation when the elevator is moving at a constant velocity. In this case, the net force on the person must be zero because there is no acceleration. The force exerted by the bathroom scale (normal force) will balance the person's weight.
Therefore, the reading on the bathroom scale when the elevator is moving downward at a constant velocity of 2.2 m/s will be equal to the person's weight, which is 676.2 Newtons.
Hence, the reading on the scale will be 676.2 N.