Positive is upward; negative is downward. The blue arrow shows velocity, the red arrow shows acceleration — each with its own direction.
When they point the same way, the elevator speeds up. When they point opposite ways, it slows down — even while still moving.
| v | a | result |
|---|---|---|
| + (up) | + (up) | faster upward |
| + (up) | − (down) | braking, then drops |
| − (down) | − (down) | faster downward |
| − (down) | + (up) | braking, then rises |
Free-fall: set v₀ = 0 and a = −9.8 m/s². The floor numbers scroll exactly as in a free-falling elevator — no gravity felt inside.