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 downwards 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 downwards and is now moving at a constant speed.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the elevator moves at a constant speed, there is no net acceleration acting on the person. Therefore, the scale will read the actual weight of the person, which is 160 lb.

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