You are standing on a bathroom scale in an elevator that is not moving and it reads 500 N.The elevator then moves downward at a constant velocity of 4.50 m/s.What does the scale read?
A) 100 N
B) 450 N
C) 500 N
D) 750 N
E) 250 N

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The scale is initially reading the weight of the person standing on it, which is 500 N. When the elevator moves downward at a constant velocity, the person and the scale are both still in motion with the same velocity. Therefore, the reading on the scale remains the same and does not change due to the motion of the elevator. Hence, the scale still reads 500 N.

You Are Standing on a Bathroom Scale in an Elevator