Question

A 10-lb weight is suspended from two accurate spring scales, each of which has negligible weight. What will be the weight readings on the scales?

The top scale will measure 0 lb and the lower scale will measure 10 lb.

Both scales will measure 10 lb.

Each scale will measure 5 lb.

The lower scale will measure 0 lb and the top scale will measure 10 lb.

Answer 1

Hello!

The answer is: Both scales will measure a weight 10 lb

Why?

From the options, we can know that both spring scales are in series:

It's like there are just one scale composed by two scales since the statement states that both has negligible weight, so both scales will be reading the whole weight.

Calculations:

$T1=T2$

$Force = Tension - Weight = ma\\Tension - Weight = 0\\Tension = Weight$

So, if tension is equal to weight, it means that both scales will be reading a weight of 10 lb.

Have a nice day!