Questions: After a 100-lb. person steps on a bathroom scale and the reading is steady, the spring inside the scale is compressed with a force of
(A) 100 lbs .
(B) 50 lbs .
(C) 200 lbs
(D) 110 lbs .
Transcript text: After a $100-\mathrm{lb}$. person steps on a bathroom scale and the reading is steady, the spring inside the scale is compressed with a force of $\qquad$
(A) 100 lbs .
(B) 50 lbs .
(C) 200 lbs
(D) 110 lbs .
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Understand the Problem
A person weighing 100 lbs steps on a bathroom scale.
The scale reading is steady, indicating equilibrium.
Step 2: Identify the Forces
The weight of the person (\( W \)) is 100 lbs.
The spring inside the scale exerts an upward force equal to the weight of the person to maintain equilibrium.
Step 3: Apply Newton's Third Law
According to Newton's Third Law, the force exerted by the spring must equal the weight of the person.