You take a ride in a fast elevator to the top of a tall building and ride back down while standing on a bathroom scale. During which parts of the ride will your apparent and real weights be the same?

During which parts will your apparent weight be less than your real weight?

During which parts will your apparent weight be more than your real weight?

To determine when your apparent weight is the same as your real weight, less than your real weight, or more than your real weight during the elevator ride, we need to consider the concepts of gravitational force, acceleration, and the relationship between apparent weight and acceleration.

When you are in an elevator, your apparent weight is the force exerted by the scale under your feet or any other supporting surface. This apparent weight depends on the net force acting on your body, which comprises your weight due to gravity and any additional forces, such as acceleration.

1. When the elevator is at rest or moving at a constant velocity:
- Your apparent weight will be the same as your real weight. There is no net force acting on your body, and therefore, your apparent weight will equal your real weight. This applies when the elevator is stationary or moving smoothly without changing speed.

2. During the upward acceleration:
- Your apparent weight will be more than your real weight. As the elevator accelerates upward, your body experiences an upward force in addition to the force of gravity. This increase in net force causes your apparent weight to be greater than your real weight. It can feel slightly heavier during this period.

3. During the downward acceleration:
- Your apparent weight will be less than your real weight. When the elevator accelerates downward, your body experiences a downward force in addition to the force of gravity. This decrease in net force reduces your apparent weight below your real weight. It can feel slightly lighter during this period.

In summary, your apparent weight will be the same as your real weight when the elevator is at rest or moving at a constant velocity. Your apparent weight will be more than your real weight during upward acceleration and less than your real weight during downward acceleration.