A shopper steps on an escalator moving downward at a constant speed toward the bargain basement in a large department store.On his way down,the normal force exerted on him by the step of the escalator is
A)greater than his weight when he is off the escalator.
B)equal to his weight when he is off the escalator.
C)less than his weight when he is off the escalator.
D)dependent on how fast the escalator is moving.
E)unknown; insufficient information is given to answer correctly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The normal force exerted on him by the step of the escalator is equal to his weight when he is off the escalator, assuming he is not accelerating vertically (which he isn't, as the escalator moves at a constant speed and only changes his horizontal position).

A Shopper Steps on an Escalator Moving Downward at a Constant