Chapter 2, Problem 29A

Phyllis Physics hangs at rest from the ends of the rope, as shown at right. How does the reading on the scale compare to her weight?

To determine

The reading on the scale compared to her weight.

Answer to Problem 29A

The weight of a girl and the scale reading will be same.

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The given figure is shown below.

  

Formula used:

The expression for the weight is,

  $W=mg$

Here, $m$ is the mass and $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity.

Calculation:

Consider the mass of a girl as $m$ .

The weight of a girl is

  $W=mg$

At equilibrium condition, the net force on the system is equal to zero.

So, the reading on the scale while hanging will be,

  $\begin{array}{l}\text{Net force}=0\\ \text{Scale reading}-W=0\\ \text{Scale reading}=mg\end{array}$

The reading on the scale is same as the weight of a girl.

Conclusion:

Thus, the weight of a girl and the scale reading are the same.