Chapter 4, Problem 57GP

CE Predict/Explain Suppose the elevator in the previous problem is rising with a constant upward acceleration, rather than constant velocity. (a) In this case, would the coin’s time of flight be greater than, less than, or equal to its time of flight when the person was at rest? (b) Choose the best explanation from among the following:

1. I.    The coin has the same acceleration once it is tossed, whether the elevator accelerates or not.
2. II.     The elevator’s upward speed increases during the coin’s flight, and hence it catches up with the coin at a greater height than before.
3. III.            The coin’s downward acceptation is less than before because the elevator's upward acceleration partially cancels it.