The apparent weight of a person in an elevator moving downwards with an acceleration 'a' (where a < g) is: MCQ with Answer and Explanation

The apparent weight of a person in an elevator moving downwards with an acceleration 'a' (where a < g) is:
A. Equal to true weight
B. Greater than true weight
C. Zero
D. Less than true weight
Answer: Option D
Solution (By JKSSB Mock Tests)
When an elevator moves downwards with acceleration 'a', the net downward force on the person is mg - R = ma, where R is the normal reaction (apparent weight). Solving for R gives R = m(g - a). Since g - a is less than g, the apparent weight (R) is less than the true weight (mg).

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Practice More Physics Questions

Question #1
In a pressure cooker, food cooks faster because:
A. Heat is trapped inside
B. Boiling point of water increases due to high pressure
C. Steam circulates rapidly
D. Material conducts heat better

Correct Answer: Option B


Explanation:
Pressure cooker seals steam, increasing internal pressure above atmospheric. Higher pressure raises water's boiling point (above 100°C), allowing food to cook at higher temperature, speeding up chemical reactions. Option A is vague; C and D are secondary effects. Memory tip: 'Higher pressure ⇒ higher boiling point ⇒ faster cooking'. This daily-life physics question tests application of pressure-temperature relationship in liquids, frequently appearing in competitive exams. Always recall that phase change temperatures depend on pressure (e.g., water boils below 100°C on mountains).

This question belongs to: Science Physics
Question #2
The refractive index of water is 4/3. The speed of light in water is:
A. 4×10⁸ m/s
B. 1.5×10⁸ m/s
C. 3×10⁸ m/s
D. 2.25×10⁸ m/s

Correct Answer: Option D


Explanation:
Refractive index n = c/v, where c = 3×10⁸ m/s (speed in vacuum). Thus v = c/n = (3×10⁸)/(4/3) = 3×10⁸ × 3/4 = 9/4 × 10⁸ = 2.25×10⁸ m/s. This direct formula application is fundamental in optics. Memory aid: 'Higher n ⇒ slower light in medium'. Competitive exams frequently test this calculation with common refractive indices (water 4/3, glass ~1.5). Always use c = 3×10⁸ m/s unless specified otherwise, and ensure unit consistency (m/s here).

This question belongs to: Science Physics
Question #3
The instrument that measures atmospheric pressure is
A. Barometer
B. Hydrometer
C. Manometer
D. Lactometer

Correct Answer: Option A


Explanation:
Barometer measures atmospheric pressure. Mercury barometer (Torricelli) standard. Aneroid barometer. Manometer measures pressure difference. Hydrometer density. Lactometer milk purity.

This question belongs to: Science Physics