A 160 lb person has a mass of 160/32 = 5 slugs. A 160-lb person steps into an elevator and stands on a bathroom scale. Determine the scale reading for the given scenarios. The elevator accelerates upwards and is now moving at a constant speed.

Question

A 160 lb person has a mass of 160/32 = 5 slugs. A 160-lb person steps into an elevator and stands on a bathroom scale.  Determine the scale reading for the given scenarios. The elevator accelerates upwards and is now moving at a constant speed.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the elevator is moving at a constant speed, the scale reading will be the same as the person's weight when they are standing still (i.e. 160 lb). The scale measures the normal force exerted by the person on it, and this force does not change when the elevator is moving at a constant speed. The scale reading would only be different if the elevator was accelerating or decelerating.

A 160 Lb Person Has a Mass of 160/32 =