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Weight of nothing in an elevator (Posted on 2018-09-06) Difficulty: 3 of 5
Take an electronic kitchen scale, a scale with a spring dial, and a balance scale into an elevator.

Put nothing on them. Indeed, press the tare button, or adjust them so that they all read zero.

When the elevator accelerates upwards, what happens?

No Solution Yet Submitted by Jer    
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re(2): No Subject | Comment 5 of 6 |
(In reply to re: No Subject by Charlie)

I imagine that kitchen scales (as opposed to mail scales) are expected to receive things in containers like cups and bowls. 


I believe there are two designs for electronic kitchen scales. One expects you to load the center: these are flat one-piece units that expect the item to be placed the center (within drawn circles). 

Additionally, there are units that have a bowl or platform holding the load. Under this is a smaller support resting on a broader platform, under which the load cell and strain gauge reside.  

For the first type, circles are drawn within which to place items. See: 
https://www.hunker.com/12183358/how-does-a-digital-scale-work

But for the second type of electronic kitchen scale, yes - if there is a non-uniform surface prepared for holding the goods, then this non-uniform (excess) mass would gain more weight (force) from the elevator's acceleration and in turn it would register increased weight from the centered mass and would flex the strain gauge below and indicate added weight. 

Edited on September 6, 2018, 10:51 pm
  Posted by Steven Lord on 2018-09-06 17:21:43

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