A person weight W is in a upward-moving elevator when the cable suddenly breaks. What is the person's apparent weight immediately after the elevator starts to fall?
A) W
B) Greater than W
C) Less than W
D) 9.81 W
E) Zero

Question

A person weight W is in a upward-moving elevator when the cable suddenly breaks. What is the person's apparent weight immediately after the elevator starts to fall?
A) W
B) Greater than W
C) Less than W
D) 9.81 W 
E) Zero

anonymous · Answer

I believe it is W (A) since W = mg and when cable breaks, weight of a person doesn't change, right?

anonymous · Answer

yes but it asks about apparent weight... aka the Normal force..

anonymous · Answer

your weight is still mg when you're falling through the air, but you feel effectively weightless..

anonymous · Answer

...because there's no Normal force acting on you.