Chapter 7, Problem 51A

Identify two pairs of action-reaction forces that exist when you stand on a scale.

To determine

To Identify:The two pairs of action-reaction forces that exist when one stands on a scale.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

As per Newton’s third law of motion, there exists an action reaction pair for forces. For every action, there is opposite and equal reaction.

The two pairs of action-reaction forces that exist when one stands on a scale are:

When a person stands on a scale, gravity acts on the person in the downward direction onto the scaleand normal reaction force acts in the upward direction from the scale onto the person.

Due to the weight of the person on the scale, the spring in it gets compressed. As a reaction, a restoring force acts on the spring and the scale displays the corresponding reading.