Eric has a mass of 80 kgkg. He is standing on a scale in an elevator that is accelerating downward at 1.7 m/s2m/s2. What is the approximate reading on the scale?

The answer will be 936 N.

Explanation:

Given that

m = 80 kg

Acceleration of the elevator, a = 1.7 m/s² (upward)

The gravity force on the mass = m g

The reading on the scale = F N

Now by applying the Newton's second law

F - m g = ma

F = m g + m a

F = m (g + a)

F = 80 (10 + 1.7) N (take g = 10 m/s²)

F=80 x 11.7 N

F = 936 N

Therefore the reading on the scale will be 936 N.

The answer will be 936 N.