Force Spring Scales

Weight hanging from a scale hanging from a second scale
PIRA: 
1H10.40
Area: 
1 Mechanics
Topic: 
1H Newton's Third Law
Concept: 
Action and Reaction

 

If scales were massless, they should give the same reading when connected in series. However these two scales give different readings, even though the forces between them are equal and opposite!

Demo Contact

Scott Thomas
Demonstration Manager
828-262-2435
thomassa@appstate.edu