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Would you weigh less in an elevator? - Carol Hedden

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TEDEd Animation

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What happens when you jump in a moving elevator? Do you weigh more when you're going up and less when you're going down? Carol Hedden explores the relationship between gravity, weight, and relative motion, using a moving elevator to explain the fascinating physics.

Hedden asks us to think about what would happen if someone cut the cable at the top of an elevator. Assuming that you would not be injured in any way, explain what would happen if you were inside an elevator (standing on a scale) and the cable was cut forcing you to experience a free fall from the top of a 100 story building.

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Animator Andy London
  • Educator Carol Hedden
  • Narrator Carol Hedden

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