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

increases it