Eric has a mass of 60 kg. He is standing on a scale in an elevator that is accelerating downward at 1.7 m/s². What is the approximate reading on the scale?

a. 0 N

b. 490 N

c. 590 N

d. 690 N

option B

Explanation:

given,

mass of Eric = 60 Kg

acceleration o f the elevator downward (a) = 1.7 m/s²

acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8 m/s²

reading of scale = ?

when elevator is going down there will be a pseudo acting on Eric so, negative acceleration will be acting.

so, weight will be equal to

W_{apparent} - mg = - ma

W_{apparent} = m (g - a)

W_{apparent} = 60 (9.8 - 1.7)

W_{apparent} = 60 x 8.1

W_{apparent} = 486 N

so, Weight will be approximately equal to 490 N

the correct answer is option B