The discussion centers on the mechanics of how a scale measures weight, specifically through the interaction of forces. When an object exerts a downward force due to its weight, the scale applies an upward normal force that counters this weight, reaching equilibrium. The reading on the scale corresponds to the force exerted by the object, which is the weight force, provided the scale is not accelerating. The mechanism typically involves a spring or strain gauge that translates the force into a readable measurement.
PREREQUISITESPhysics students, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of force measurement and scale operation.
The spring on the scale (assuming that that's how the scale is built -- other technologies such as strain gauges can also be used) is depressed by the object on the scale (the downward action force), and reaches equilibrium when the reactive force of the compressed spring (the reaction force) counters the downward force of the object. The distance that the spring is compressed is linked to a pointer on the scale's dial that moves a corresponding distance.noosah said:so my question is a little dumb, if an object on a scale has a weight that points downwards and the scale exert normal force on the object upwards cancelling the forces acted on the object then what does the scale read? also the action-reaction pair to the normal force is supposed to be the force that the object act on the scale, is this what the scale reads?
Yes.noosah said:the force that the object act on the scale, is this what the scale reads?
If the scale is not actually accelerating up or downwards then the scale measures the weight force of the object on it.noosah said:is this what the scale reads?