AP · AP 1 · multiple choice
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based · Question 2
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based · Original GioPhysics question with a detailed, mark-by-mark answer guide.
- Demand
- demanding
- Marks
- 1
- Topics
- 1
- Answer
- Complete
multiple choice1 mark
A person of mass m stands on a bathroom scale in an elevator. The elevator is moving downward and slowing down. What does the scale read?
- A
less than mg
- B
exactly mg
- C
greater than mg
- D
zero
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Answer overviewCorrect answer: C — greater than mg
01
1 markAnswer and reasoning
How to approach it
Predict from the governing principle before looking for a matching option. Then reject alternatives by checking direction, units, limiting behaviour or the physical meaning of each statement.
- 1
The correct choice is C: greater than mg
- 2
A is chosen by almost everyone who reasons from the direction of motion rather than the direction of the acceleration. Moving down while slowing down means the acceleration points upward, so the normal force must exceed the weight.
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