Answer
The correct answer is:
(a) Moving up at constant speed
Work Step by Step
The correct answer is:
(a) Moving up at constant speed
If the elevator is moving at constant speed, then the net force on the person is zero. Therefore, the normal force from the scale must be equal in magnitude to the person's weight. In this case, the scale will show the person's actual weight which is the same as when the elevator is at rest.
If the elevator is moving up with increasing speed, then the normal force from the scale on the person must be greater in magnitude than the person's weight. In this case, the scale will show a value that is higher than the value shown when the elevator is at rest.
If the elevator is in free fall, the scale will show a weight of zero because the normal force on the person is zero.
