The vertical scale ( on left ) shown in the sketch reads 9.81 N. Is the reading of the horizontal scale (a) greater than, (b) less than, or (c) equal to 9.81 N?

 

C O N C E P T U A L  C H E C K  P O I N T

C O M P A R E   T H E   R E A D I N G S   O N T H E   S C A L E S

The vertical scale  ( on left ) shown in the sketch reads 9.81 N. Is the reading of the horizontal scale (a) greater than,  (b) less than, or (c) equal to 9.81 N?

R E A S O N I N G   A N D     D I S C U S S I O N

Because a pulley simply changes the direction of the tension in a string without changing its magnitude, it’s clear that the vertical scale attached to the ceiling reads the same as the horizontal scale shown in the sketch to the right.

There is no difference, however, between attaching the left end of the horizontal scale to something rigid or attaching it to another 1.00 kg hanging mass, as in the problem statement. In either case the scale is at rest, and hence a force of 9.81 N must be exerted to the left to balance the 9.81-N force exerted by the mass on the right end of the scale. As a result, the two horizontal scales read the same.

A N S W E R

(c) The reading of the horizontal scale ( at right ) is equal to 9.81 N.

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