Physics · Circular Motion & Momentum

The correct answer is that the scale shows the highest reading when the elevator moves upward with increasing speed. This is because the elevator's upward acceleration adds to the gravitational force, increasing the normal force exerted on the scale. In physics terms, the apparent weight is the sum of the gravitational force (mg) and the force due to acceleration (ma), resulting in a higher reading on the scale.

In contrast, moving upward with decreasing speed indicates downward acceleration, reducing the normal force. Remaining stationary results in no additional forces beyond gravity, reflecting your true weight. Moving downward with increasing speed causes downward acceleration, further decreasing the normal force and the scale reading.

When moving upward with increasing speed, the elevator is accelerating upward. This causes the normal force on the scale to increase, resulting in a higher reading.

With decreasing speed while moving upward, the elevator is decelerating. This reduces the normal force and does not result in the highest scale reading.

When stationary, there is no acceleration, so the normal force equals your weight, resulting in a standard scale reading.

When moving downward with increasing speed, the elevator accelerates downward, reducing the normal force and lowering the scale reading.