# Why is there a downward apparent force on an object accelerating upwards in an elevator?

In an upward accelerating elevator with acceleration a, from the inertial reference frame, a normal force equal to N= m(a+g) will be acting on the object inside the elevator of mass m. Now, for normal force to be felt, the object must be exerting a force on the elevator floor. I understand the mg part of the normal force, but I don't understand why the object feels another downward force ma if it is moving upwards.

It doesn't. The forces on the object are (1) its weight $$mg$$ acting downwards and (2) a normal force from the floor on the elevator $$m(g+a)$$ acting upwards. The net force on the object is therefore $$ma$$ upwards, which is what makes it accelerate upwards with acceleration $$a$$.
If you stand in a lift you only feel the upwards force from the elevator $$m(g+a)$$ - since gravity affects all parts of your body, you do not feel your weight directly. However, you are used to being in a state of equilibrium in which your weight is equal to the upwards force that you feel from the ground. So when you feel a greater upwards force $$m(g+a)$$ from the elevator you assume that this must mean a greater downwards force also. This mistaken assumption/feeling arises from not realising that your body is no longer in equilibrium.