Beaker with water on a weighing scale

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a scenario involving a beaker of water placed on a weighing scale, where the original poster poses questions about the effects of inserting a finger, a wooden rod, or a steel rod into the water without touching the beaker. Participants are exploring the implications of these actions on the balance of the scale.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning whether inserting a finger into the water exerts a force on the water/beaker system and discussing the resulting displacement of water. Some are considering the effects of different objects, like a wooden or steel rod, on the system.

Discussion Status

There is an active exploration of the forces at play and the resulting changes in water level. Some participants express agreement on the idea that inserting a finger does exert a force, while others are contributing thoughts on the implications of water displacement.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the physical principles involved, such as buoyancy and force interactions, without reaching a definitive conclusion on the outcome of the balance. The discussion is framed within the context of a homework problem, emphasizing the need for careful reasoning about the setup.

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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