Chapter 3.3, Problem 27R

To determine

To identify: Whether the scale will read larger or smaller weight in comparison to the weight when the person is stationary.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The gravity of the earth always accelerates the object toward the surface of the Earth, so the direction of the gravitational acceleration.

The elevator is moving in an upward direction, so the acceleration of the body is also in an upward direction.

The direction of the gravitational acceleration is always downward. The value of the acceleration of the elevator is less than the gravitational acceleration, so the body inside the elevator experiences the loss of weight of the body.

The scale inside the elevator reads smaller weight than the weight in the stationary condition.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the scale will read the smaller weight of the body than that reads in stationary elevator.