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Elevator: Apparent Weight

Key Concepts — Elevator: Apparent Weight

01

Apparent weight = N (normal force on a person).

02

Elevator accelerating up: N = m(g+a) → heavier feeling.

03

Accelerating down: N = m(g−a) → lighter feeling.

04

Free fall (a = g): N = 0 → weightlessness.

05

Constant velocity or at rest: N = mg (true weight).