Chapter 4.2, Problem 16PP

To determine

The reading on the scale when a watermelon is placed on it.

Answer to Problem 16PP

  $39.2\text{N}$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

The mass of the watermelon is $4.0\text{ kg}$ .

Formula used:

Force due to gravity:

  $F_g=mg$

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

Calculation:

The reading on the spring scale will be the force acting on the watermelon due to Earth’s gravitation. Now, it is known that the acceleration due to gravity on Earth is,

  $g=9.8{\text{m/s}}^{\text{2}}$

Then, the spring scale’s reading will be:

  $\begin{array}{c}{F}_g=\left(m\right)\left(g\right)\\ =4.0\times 9.8\\ =39.2\text{N}\end{array}$

Conclusion:

Thus, the scale’s reading when given watermelon is placed on it, is 39.2N.