Is normal force greater than weight in an elevator?

The normal force is equal to your apparent weight. So, you actually feel a little heavier than usual when the elevator accelerates upward, and lighter than usual when the acceleration is down.

What happens if normal force is greater than weight?

In an elevator either stationary or moving at constant velocity, the normal force on the person’s feet balances the person’s weight. In an elevator that is accelerating upward, the normal force is greater than the person’s ground weight and so the person’s perceived weight increases (making the person feel heavier).

Why does the scale read more weight when the elevator is accelerating upwards?

If you stand on a scale in an elevator accelerating upward, you feel heavier because the elevator’s floor presses harder on your feet, and the scale will show a higher reading than when the elevator is at rest. The force exerted by the scale is known as apparent weight; it does not change with constant speed.

Why does normal force change in an elevator?

From Newton’s second law F=ma, acceleration requires a force proportional to mass. So when the elevator is accelerating upwards, it must not only oppose gravity but provide extra force for the upward acceleration. This requires an increased normal force.

How does acceleration affect normal force?

The normal force generates an upward acceleration. When moving at a constant speed, there is no upward acceleration and the normal force acts only to counter gravity. The normal force, and scale reading, will thus be greater during the period of acceleration.

Is normal force equal to weight?

The normal force acting on box is equal and opposite to the weight of the box. When the box is on a level surface, this term is equal to the force of gravity. Use our given mass and the acceleration due to gravity to solve for the normal force of the box.

Is normal force always equal to weight force?

The normal force is usually symbolized by N . In many cases the normal force is simply equal to the weight of an object, but that’s only when the normal force is the only thing counteracting the weight. The normal force is the force that would be measured by a scale placed between the objects in contact.

Why does the normal force decrease?

Answer: As the angle increases, the normal force decreases so the friction force must also decrease. If the normal force goes to zero, so does the friction force.

What is the acceleration of an elevator when accelerating upwards?

From Newton’s second law F = m a, acceleration requires a force proportional to mass. So when the elevator is accelerating upwards, it must not only oppose gravity but provide extra force for the upward acceleration. This requires an increased normal force.

Why do I feel heavy when I go up an elevator?

Consider the normal force acting on you from the elevator: The normal force is equal to your apparent weight. So, you actually feel a little heavier than usual when the elevator accelerates upward, and lighter than usual when the acceleration is down. In more extreme situations this is much more obvious.

What is the normal force acting on you from the elevator?

Consider the normal force acting on you from the elevator: N = mg if the elevator is at rest or moving at constant velocity N = mg + ma if the elevator has an upward acceleration N = mg – ma if the elevator has a downward acceleration

How does the scale work in an elevator?

When an elevator starts to accelerate upwards, you and your scale experience the same acceleration. The floor of the elevator pushes you and the scale upwards. This means the scale has to push on the person with an extra force to push you and your weight up too. The new Normal force is greater than just your weight alone.