2. Modern Elevators How Stuff Works
Hydraulic elevator
Modern Cable System
Safety Systems

3. You Weigh Less Accelerating Downward.
When standing in the elevator before it starts, the man weighs 600N.
When the elevator starts downward, the normal force is reduced and therefore the man’s weight is reduced.

4. Elevator Problems – Accelerating Downward

5. You Weigh Less Accelerating Upward.
When standing in the elevator before it starts. The man weighs 600N.
When the elevator starts upward, the normal force is increased and therefore the man’s weight is increased.

6. Elevator Problems – Accelerating Upward

7. What if the cable snapped?
When the elevator’s cable snapped, the man is in freefall and will eventually have no normal force and is therefore weightless --- until the inevitable!