The apparent weight of a fish in an elevator is greatest when the elevator
A) moves downward at constant velocity.
B) moves upward at constant velocity.
C) accelerates downward.
D) accelerates upward.
E) is not moving.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The apparent weight of the fish is equal to the normal force acting on it by the elevator floor. When the elevator accelerates upward, the normal force acting on the fish (and thus the apparent weight) increases. Similarly, when the elevator accelerates downward, the normal force (and apparent weight) decreases. When the elevator is moving at constant velocity or is not moving, the normal force and apparent weight of the fish are the same as its actual weight. Therefore, the greatest apparent weight of the fish occurs when the elevator accelerates upward.

The Apparent Weight of a Fish in an Elevator Is