Shelley is in an elevator that is traveling downward and slowing down at a rate of 0.950 m/s2. If Shelley has a mass of 73.2 kg, what is her apparent weight during this
period?

N = 648.55[N]

Explanation:

To solve this problem we must use Newton's second law which tells us that the sum of forces on a body is equal to the product of mass by acceleration.

∑F = m*a

where:

∑F =  Forces applied [N]

m = mass = 73.2 [kg]

a = acceleration = 0.950 [m/s²]

Let's assume the direction of the upward forces as positive, just as if the movement of the box is upward the acceleration will be positive.

By performing a summation of forces on the vertical axis we obtain all the required forces and other magnitudes to be determined.

where:

g = gravity acceleration = 9.81 [m/s²]

N = normal force (or weight) measured by the scale = 83.4 [N]

Now replacing:

The acceleration has a negative sign, this means that the elevator is descending at that very moment.