Question

A man in elevator fells like he weighs 15 pounds less than his "normal" weight. Which of the following situations most likely explains this?

• A. The elevator just starting upward.
• B. The elevator is coming to a stop on its way downward.
• C. The elevator is coming to a stop on its way upward.
• D. The elevator is moving rapidly downward at a constant speed.
• E. The elevator has been still for a very long time, and the man has indigestion.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The elevator is coming to a stop on its way upward.

The observed weight of the man decreases when the acceleration of the block is downwards, since then a pseudo force would act on the man upwards.

When an elevator moving upward comes to a stop, acceleration of the elevator is downwards because it is decelerating at that time. Hence correct answer is option C.