What is your apparent weight?

Question

Amelia Adams · Accepted Answer

The total upward force on you is #890 N#.

Your normal #"weight" = m*g = 75 kg*9.8 m/s^2 = 735 N#. The elevator creates a zero net force when it is at rest or moving at a constant speed because the floor exerts an upward 735 N force. You are accelerating upwards at #2 m/s^2#. The floor needs to provide an extra upward force to accelerate you upward at that rate. #"extra upward force" = m*a = 75 kg*2 m/s^2 = 150 N# The total upward force on you is #(735 + 150) N = 885 N#. That is your apparent weight. In accordance to the number of significant digits in the data supplied, the answer should be reported as 890 N. Alternatively, you could simply multiply your mass by (9.8 + 2 m/s^2), but I think that going through the previous steps clarifies the reasoning. Hope this is helpful, Steve.