---
title: "A person of mass \\(m\\) stands on a platform scale in an elevator that is moving upward. As the elevator approaches the top floor, its speed decreases at a constant rate. Which of the following correctly compares the magnitude of the force exerted by the scale on the person, \\(F_S\\), and the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted by Earth on the person, \\(F_g\\), and provides a correct justification?"
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url: "https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/109769/"
date_modified: "2026-03-26T05:49:43+00:00"
---

# A person of mass \(m\) stands on a platform scale in an elevator that is moving upward. As the elevator approaches the top floor, its speed decreases at a constant rate. Which of the following correctly compares the magnitude of the force exerted by the scale on the person, \(F_S\), and the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted by Earth on the person, \(F_g\), and provides a correct justification?

A person of mass \(m\) stands on a platform scale in an elevator that is moving upward. As the elevator approaches the top floor, its speed decreases at a constant rate. Which of the following correctly compares the magnitude of the force exerted by the scale on the person, \(F_S\), and the magnitude of the gravitational force exerted by Earth on the person, \(F_g\), and provides a correct justification?

![A simplified free-body diagram of a person. A central dot represents the person. An arrow labeled F_S points vertically upward from the dot. An arrow labeled F_g points vertically downward from the dot. The downward arrow is visibly longer than the upward arrow. To the side of the diagram, a velocity vector arrow points upward and an acceleration vector arrow points downward.](https://nerd-notes.com/wp-content/uploads/ubq-frq-generated/stem-fig-1-1774504183-KVcAob.jpg)

- **A.** \(F_S > F_g\) because the elevator's velocity is directed upward, meaning the net force must be directed upward.
- **B.** \(F_S < F_g\) because the elevator is slowing down, meaning the person's acceleration is directed downward.
- **C.** \(F_S = F_g\) because the elevator is moving at a constant rate as it approaches the top floor.
- **D.** \(F_S < F_g\) because as the elevator moves to a higher floor, the gravitational field strength of Earth decreases.

*The answer key and step-by-step explanation are available to logged-in users at https://nerd-notes.com/ubq/109769/*