An elevator accelerates upward at 1.2 m/s2. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 . What is the upward force exerted by the floor of the elevator on a(n) 92 kg passenger? Answer in units of N
F - 92*9.8 = 92*1.2
To find the upward force exerted by the floor of the elevator on the passenger, we need to use Newton's second law of motion, which states that the net force acting on an object is equal to its mass multiplied by its acceleration (F = m * a).
In this case, the passenger's mass is 92 kg and the elevator's acceleration is 1.2 m/s^2. However, we need to take into account the force of gravity on the passenger, which is always acting downward with an acceleration of 9.8 m/s^2.
To determine the net force, we subtract the force due to gravity from the force exerted by the elevator floor:
Net force = (mass * acceleration) - (mass * gravity)
Plugging in the given values:
Net force = (92 kg * 1.2 m/s^2) - (92 kg * 9.8 m/s^2)
Simplifying:
Net force = 110.4 N - 901.6 N
Net force = -791.2 N
The negative sign indicates that the net force is acting downward rather than upward. Therefore, the upward force exerted by the floor of the elevator on the passenger is 791.2 N.