Question Detail
Question
A passenger of mass m is in an elevator accelerating upwards with acceleration a. The force exerted by the floor on the passenger (the apparent weight) is:
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Applying Newton's second law in the vertical direction: N - mg = ma, where N is the normal force from the floor. Solving for N gives N = mg + ma = m(g + a), which is greater than the true weight.
Hint
The normal force must not only support the weight but also provide the upward acceleration.