Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)

Published by Addison-Wesley
ISBN 10: 0321909100
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-910-7

Chapter 2 - Think and Explain - Page 36-38: 75

Answer

The support force on the crate decreases. The support force on the workmen's feet increases.

Work Step by Step

The support force on the crate decreases as it is lifted, and presses with less force on the floor. If it were sitting on a scale, we would see the reading decrease until the crate were entirely free of the floor, at which point the reading, and thus the support force from the floor, is zero. Meanwhile, the support force on the workmen’s feet increases as they gradually pick up the crate. When the crate is off the floor and at rest, its weight is completely transferred to the workmen, whose normal/support force increases by a combined amount equal to the crate's weight.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.