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Calculating the angular acceleration.

Calculating the downward acceleration of an elevator?

  • As part of a physics project, we had to measure our weight change while ascending and descending in an elevator. My weight changes were: Ascending: 148 pounds to 155 pounds Descending: 148 pounds to 142 pounds The equation that we have to use is F(g)=mg + ma, but then wouldn't the acceleration of the elevator change for the varying weights of different people? It (acceleration) should come out the same regardless of mass, right?

  • Answer:

    In your eq, F(g) is the scale reading in lb. Solving the equation for a, and noting that your mass is actually 148/32.2 = 4.596 slugs, a = (F(g) - mg)/m = (142 - 148)/4.596 = -1.305 ft/sec² (- for downward acceleration)

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In your eq, F(g) is the scale reading in lb. Solving the equation for a, and noting that your mass is actually 148/32.2 = 4.596 slugs, a = (F(g) - mg)/m = (142 - 148)/4.596 = -1.305 ft/sec² (- for downward acceleration)

Steve

use F=MA on the change in weight for each (7 pounds) and use the acceleration as 9.8 (speed of acceleration falling to the ground in a vacuum)

Ewan

use F=MA on the change in weight for each (7 pounds) and use the acceleration as 9.8 (speed of acceleration falling to the ground in a vacuum)

Ewan

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