Question

A 38.5 kg man is in an elevator
accelerating downward. A normal
force of 343 N pushes up on him.
What is his acceleration?

Answer 1

Answer:

F = m*(g - a) →

a = g - F/m = 0.891 m/s² downward

Explanation:

If elevator was stationary, the normal force of elevator floor on man* would be = mg

mg = (38.5)(9.81) ≈ 378 N.

If elevator is accelerating downward the floor is accelerating away from man and so the normal force will be less than man's weight by: 378 - 343 = 35 N.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Answer:

-0.891

Explanation:

negative because downward