A single mass m1 = 4.5 kg hangs from a spring in a motionless elevator. The spring is extended x = 15.0 cm from its unstretched length.
the elevator is moving downward with a velocity of v = -3.9 m/s but accelerating upward with an acceleration of a = 3.7 m/s2. (Note: an upward acceleration when the elevator is moving down means the elevator is slowing down.)
What is the force the bottom spring exerts on the bottom mass?
What is the distance the upper spring is extended from its unstretched length?
What is the distance the MIDDLE spring is extended from its unstretched length?