Question

3. A person of mass 100 kg stands on a scale in an elevator. The elevator moves downward at a steady speed. Is the scale reading greater than, less than, or equal to 1000 N? Justify your answer.

Answer 1

Answer:

less than

Explanation:

Given;

mass of the person, m = 100 kg

acceleration due to gravity, g = 9.8 m/s²

The reading on the scale is determined by applying Newton's second law of motion;

R = mg - ma

R = m(g-a)

at constant velocity, the acceleration is zero

a = 0

R = m(g-0)

R = mg

R = 100 x 9.8

R = 980 N

Thus, the scale reading is equal to the weight of the person but less than 1000 N