Florence, who weighs 120. lbs, stands on a bathroom scale in an elevator. What will the scale read when the elevator is accelerating downward at 2.0 m/ s²?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The apparent weight of Florence can be calculated using the formula $w = m(g - a)$, where $w$ is the apparent weight, $m$ is the mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s$^2$), and $a$ is the acceleration of the elevator. First, convert Florence's weight to mass in kg (since 1 lb ≈ 0.453592 kg), then plug in the values: $m = \frac{120}{2.20462}$ kg, $g = 9.8$ m/s$^2$, and $a = 2.0$ m/s$^2$. The apparent weight in Newtons can then be converted back to pounds. The calculation shows that the scale would read less than her actual weight, which matches choice B, 96 lbs, after performing the calculation and converting units appropriately.

Florence, Who Weighs 120