When the elevator is not accelerating, the scale registers the true weight (W = 700 N) of the person. When the elevator accelerates upward, the apparent weight (1000 N) exceeds the true weight. When the elevator accelerates downward, the apparent weight (400 N) is less than the true weight. The apparent weight is zero if the elevator falls freely—that is, if it falls with the acceleration due to gravity.

Figure 4.16

(a)

When the elevator is not accelerating, the scale registers the true weight (W = 700 N) of the person.

(b)

When the elevator accelerates upward, the apparent weight (1000 N) exceeds the true weight.

(c)

When the elevator accelerates downward, the apparent weight (400 N) is less than the true weight.

(d)

The apparent weight is zero if the elevator falls freely—that is, if it falls with the acceleration due to gravity.