Beaker with water on a weighing scale

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physics of a beaker filled with water placed on a weighing scale, analyzing the effects of inserting an object, such as a finger or a rod, into the water without touching the beaker. It concludes that inserting a finger or rod displaces the water, causing the water level to rise and exerting an additional force on the water/beaker system. This displacement results in the balance being upset, with the side containing the beaker appearing heavier due to the increased weight from the displaced water.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Archimedes' Principle
  • Basic knowledge of force and displacement in fluid mechanics
  • Familiarity with weighing scales and balance systems
  • Concept of buoyancy and its effects on submerged objects
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Archimedes' Principle in detail
  • Explore fluid mechanics concepts related to force and displacement
  • Research the operation and calibration of weighing scales
  • Investigate the effects of buoyancy on various materials in fluids
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, engineers working with fluid dynamics, and anyone interested in the principles of buoyancy and force in liquid systems.

whoelsebutme
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beaker with water on a weighing scale...

A weighing scale has a beaker of water on one side and a balancing
weight on the other side.

You put your finger into the water carefully without touching the beaker. Will the balance be upset?

Which side will appear heavier, if so?

What will happen in instead of your finger you hold a wooden rod or a steel rod in the water, but without touching the beaker?
 
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What do you think? When you stick your finger in the water are you exerting a force on the water/beaker system? (Hint: Does the water exert a force on your finger?)
 
Doc Al said:
What do you think? When you stick your finger in the water are you exerting a force on the water/beaker system? (Hint: Does the water exert a force on your finger?)

I think it does...
 
Displacement of the water :P ?
 
whoelsebutme said:
I think it does...
Of course it does. Also note that when you stick your finger in the water, the water level rises.
 

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