Question

Which of the following is true regarding a $750N$ person standing in a freely falling elevator while holding a briefcase ?

• A. If the briefcase were released it would rise to the ceiling
• B. The person's acceleration is zero
• C. The person's attraction toward the earth is non zero
• D. If the briefcase were released it would fall to the floor
• E. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C The person's attraction toward the earth is non zero

In a freely falling elevator the persons apparent weight is zero as the acceleration of the lift and the man are same. If the brief case was just released the man and briefcase will remain at the same height and their relative displacement will always be zero. Person's attraction towards earth is non zero since he has an acceleration.