A 66.0 kg Scona student is standing on a scale in an elevator. If the elevator is acceleratingdownward at 2.50 m/s2, then determine the scale reading.

Sure, here's how you can solve this problem:

Step 1: Identify the forces acting on the student. There are two forces acting on the student - the force of gravity (downwards) and the normal force (upwards). The normal force is the force exerted by the scale on the student.

Step 2: Calculate the force of gravity. The force of gravity (weight) can be calculated using the formula F = m*g, where m is the mass of the student and g is the acceleration due to gravity. Given that m = 66.0 kg and g = 9.8 m/s^2, the force of gravity is F = 66.0 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 = 646.8 N.

Step 3: Calculate the net force. The net force acting on the student is the difference between the force of gravity and the normal force. Since the elevator is accelerating downwards, the net force is also downwards. This can be calculated using the formula F = m*a, where m is the mass of the student and a is the acceleration of the elevator. Given that m = 66.0 kg and a = 2.50 m/s^2, the net force is F = 66.0 kg * 2.50 m/s^2 = 165 N.

Step 4: Calculate the normal force. The normal force can be calculated by subtracting the net force from the force of gravity. So, the normal force is 646.8 N - 165 N = 481.8 N.

Step 5: Convert the normal force to a scale reading. The scale reading is the normal force divided by the acceleration due to gravity. So, the scale reading is 481.8 N / 9.8 m/s^2 = 49.2 kg.

So, the scale would read 49.2 kg.