Why does a balance scale equal out?

  • Thread starter Chaos Pariah
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In summary, when two objects are placed on a traditional balance scale with equal weights, the scale balances the two objects out. This is due to the center of gravity being below the pivot point, which causes the balance to remain in equilibrium.
  • #1
Chaos Pariah
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I've been trying to wrap my mind around how a balance works, and I come up with a question I need help with...
If you have a traditional balance scale, and you put perfectly equal weights on both sides, of course the scale balances the two out, and the two objects being weighed end-up at equal distances from the ground, like a teeter-totter.
Why does the balance equal out, instead of merely remaining wherever one puts it?
It seems to me that if the weights are equal and the distance from the fulcrum is equal, that if I were to exert force to raise one side of the balance (lowering the other), the weights would remain wherever I adjusted them, instead of moving back to the point where the lever is once more parallel. What force causes the movement back to "center"?
 
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  • #2
lets assume the balance is not at equilibtium because you pushed one weight down, the rod connecting the two weights has the degree [tex]\Theta[/tex] from the horizon.
no, mg acts downward, meaning that between the rod and the force for the upper weight you got [tex]90-\Theta[/tex] and for the lower weight its [tex]90+\Theta[/tex].
now the torque on the rod is the product of r cross F ([tex]r x F[/tex]) so its size is [tex]N=r*mg*sin(90+\Theta)-r*mg*sin(90-\Theta)[/tex] when r is the distance of weights from the rotation axis.

EDIT: sorry i just saw this one give N=0... I am going to sleep right now, i'll give you the right answer tomorrow incase no one else comes first.
 
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  • #3
Chaos Pariah said:
I've been trying to wrap my mind around how a balance works, and I come up with a question I need help with...
If you have a traditional balance scale, and you put perfectly equal weights on both sides, of course the scale balances the two out, and the two objects being weighed end-up at equal distances from the ground, like a teeter-totter.
Why does the balance equal out, instead of merely remaining wherever one puts it?
It seems to me that if the weights are equal and the distance from the fulcrum is equal, that if I were to exert force to raise one side of the balance (lowering the other), the weights would remain wherever I adjusted them, instead of moving back to the point where the lever is once more parallel. What force causes the movement back to "center"?
For the same reason it balances empty (when you calibrate it). The stability is due to the center of gravity being below the pivot point. This is why a pendulum seeks a straight downward position.
 
  • #4
yeah, ok, i found the problem, if you got a rod with two equal masses on it, and the pivot point is on the center of mass, as in the exercise i tried to solve, the rod will be balanced for every angle.
if the center of mass is below the pivot point, it will indid return to [tex]\Theta=0[/tex] for equilibrium.
because the torque is [tex]2mgaSin(\Theta)[/tex] when "a" is the distance of the center of mass from the pivot point.
if you want instructions on how i got this solution id be happy to write it for you.
 
  • #5
Thanks!

Thanks, everyone, for your help in explaining this to me. Actually, when I first found this forum, I searched for a thread that dealt with this question and came up empty - I guess I need to refine my skills in composing such searches. It turns out that immediately after posting my question, I was curious as to what others were asking about. I scrolled down the list of threads and found that someone had asked the identical question and had already received several very good answers. In any case, I now understand why the balance works. Thank you all very much for your efforts toward my continued education!
 

1. Why does a balance balance?

A balance balances because of the principle of equilibrium. This means that the force exerted by the object on one side of the balance is equal to the force exerted by the object on the other side, resulting in a state of balance.

2. How does a balance work?

A balance works by using a beam or lever with two pans on either end. The object to be weighed is placed on one pan and standard weights are placed on the other pan until the two sides are balanced. This indicates that the object's weight is equal to the standard weights.

3. What factors affect the balance of a balance?

The balance of a balance can be affected by several factors including the weight and distribution of the object being weighed, the accuracy and calibration of the balance, and external factors such as air currents or vibrations.

4. How is a balance calibrated?

A balance is calibrated by using known weights to determine the accuracy of the balance. If the balance is not accurate, it can be adjusted by adding or removing weights or by adjusting the position of the balance's fulcrum.

5. What are the different types of balances?

There are several types of balances including beam balances, spring balances, and electronic balances. Beam balances use a beam and standard weights, spring balances use a spring and a pointer to indicate weight, and electronic balances use sensors and a digital display to show weight.

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