eli5 how does jumping before an elevator hits the ground not save your life?

Question

eli5 how does jumping before an elevator hits the ground not save your life?

In: 48

Answer 1

Imagine that the elevator is falling at 50mph. You can jump in the opposite direction at about 5mph. You’re falling at the same rate as the elevator. Your jump reduces your falling speed to 45mph when the elevator hits the bottom of the shaft. You’re moving slower, but not slow enough to avoid injury and/or death.