What will be the weighing machine's reading?

In summary, the container with water and ball will have a lower reading on the weighing machine because of the lower normal contact force. If the ball is not suspended by the string, then the scale will read more due to the hydrostatic pressure. If the ball is suspended by the string, then the scale will read less due to the lower normal contact force and the tension force from the string.
  • #1
Ravi Singh choudhary
125
7
Thread moved from the technical forums, so no Homework Template is shown
Suppose a container is full of water is placed over a weighing machine. Now a ball is hanged with massless string but dipped inside the tank and ball is not touching the bottom. What will be the new reading on the weighing machine?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
What do you think?
 
  • #3
Weighing machine measures the normal contact force between container and the machine. Now when ball is dipped with string. I got lost in free body diagram.
 
  • #4
Ravi Singh choudhary said:
Weighing machine measures the normal contact force between container and the machine.
Good.

Ravi Singh choudhary said:
Now when ball is dipped with string. I got lost in free body diagram.
What if there were no string. You just dropped the ball into the container. What would the scale read then?

Now suspend the ball by the string. How would that change your free body diagram? What forces act on the ball?
 
  • #5
If the ball density is less than water, the ball will float. In that case the string will carry no weight and the scale reading will rise as it includes the whole weight of the floating ball.

But if the ball density is higher than water, it will sink below the surface. The pressure of water on the ball will then be more on the bottom of the ball pushing up, than on top of the ball pushing down. That is because hydrostatic pressure increases with depth. Will the string then carry less weight and the scales carry more?
 
  • #6
Ravi Singh choudhary said:
Weighing machine measures the normal contact force between container and the machine. Now when ball is dipped with string. I got lost in free body diagram.
What happens to the water level with the ball submerged? How are water depth and hydro-static pressure onto the bottom related?
 
  • Like
Likes Ibix
  • #7
Baluncore said:
If the ball density is less than water, the ball will float. In that case the string will carry no weight and the scale reading will rise as it includes the whole weight of the floating ball.

But if the ball density is higher than water, it will sink below the surface. The pressure of water on the ball will then be more on the bottom of the ball pushing up, than on top of the ball pushing down. That is because hydrostatic pressure increases with depth. Will the string then carry less weight and the scales carry more?

I got the logic of no string. The ball sink or float; in both cases weighing machine will read higher weight. With string but ball has lower density then again weighing machine will read more. Finally in the case of ball of higher density with water but with string; string will have some tension force upward plus buoyant force too that will balance the weight of the ball. But again got lost in weighing machine reading in last case.
 
  • #8
A.T. said:
What happens to the water level with the ball submerged? How are water depth and hydro-static pressure onto the bottom related?
Water level will increase. There is a linear relationship between pressure and depth. Depth multiplied by specific weight is hydrostatic pressure, so pressure will increase.
 
  • #9
You are losing focus here.

Go back to the free-body diagram. Knowing what you know now, can you show a drawing of the free-body diagram with all the relevant forces involved to be able to figure out the weight being read by the weighing machine?

Zz.
 
  • #10
To add some additional focus, choose the 'container + contents' as your system. Compare three cases:

1) Container + water (no ball)
2) Container + water + ball (just toss the ball in, no string)
3) Container + water + ball suspended (there's a string)

Compare the forces acting on your "system" in each case.
 

Related to What will be the weighing machine's reading?

1. What factors affect the weighing machine's reading?

The weighing machine's reading is affected by a variety of factors such as the weight of the object being weighed, the accuracy of the machine's sensors, and any external forces acting on the machine.

2. Can the weighing machine's reading be incorrect?

Yes, the weighing machine's reading can be incorrect if it is not calibrated properly or if there are any errors in the machine's sensors. Additionally, external factors such as vibrations or air currents can also affect the accuracy of the reading.

3. How can I ensure the accuracy of the weighing machine's reading?

To ensure the accuracy of the weighing machine's reading, it is important to calibrate the machine regularly and to check for any external factors that may be affecting the reading. It is also important to use the machine within its designated weight range.

4. What units of measurement does the weighing machine's reading display?

The weighing machine's reading can be displayed in a variety of units of measurement, such as kilograms, pounds, ounces, or grams. Some machines may also have the option to switch between different units of measurement.

5. How does the weighing machine calculate the reading?

The weighing machine uses a combination of sensors and a load cell to measure the weight of an object. The load cell converts the force of the object into an electrical signal, which is then processed by the machine's internal software to display the weight reading.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
618
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
615
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
305
Back
Top