Apparent weight in accelerating elevator

Steps:

• Calculate weight: mg = 60 kg × 10 N/kg = 600 N downward.
• For upward acceleration a = 2 m/s², net force = ma upward.
• Normal force N - mg = ma, so N = m(g + a).
• N = 60 × (10 + 2) = 60 × 12 = 720 N.

Why D is correct:

• Newton's second law requires the normal force to provide both the weight and the acceleration, so N = m(g + a).

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Equals ma only, ignores gravitational force.
• B: Underestimates by subtracting acceleration from g incorrectly.
• C: Equals stationary weight mg, ignores acceleration.

Final answer: D