Do you weigh slightly less when an elevator first starts its descent? The simulation teaches the change in the force based on the acceleration, constant speed, or deceleration of an elevator. Scholars control the mass and acceleration and view the changes in normal force and velocity over time.

Concepts

newton's first law of motion, newton's second law of motion, velocity, acceleration, normal force, gravitational force

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Discuss the difference in the normal force on an elevator versus an escalator

Classroom Considerations

• Requires a free CK-12 account to access the interactive
• Relies on prior knowledge of normal force and velocity

Pros

• Includes worksheet questions as well as challenge questions in the simulation
• Displays both the Fg and Fn during each simulation

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.4 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4