How does a Elevator model Newton’s First Law of Motion?
A elevator exemplifies Newton's First Law of Motion, also known as the law of inertia.
According to the law, an object at rest tends to stay at rest, and an object in motion tends to stay in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an external force.
In the case of an elevator, when it is stationary, the passengers inside experience the same motion as the elevator. If the elevator starts moving upwards, the passengers tend to stay at rest until an external force is exerted on them (usually through the floor of the elevator or their feet). This force causes the passengers to accelerate and move along with the elevator.
Similarly, when the elevator is moving upwards with a constant velocity, the passengers inside will also continue moving with that velocity unless acted upon by a force, such as a sudden change in the direction or velocity of the elevator.
In summary, the elevator model Newton's First Law of Motion by demonstrating that objects inside the elevator tend to stay at rest or in motion unless acted upon by an external force.