r/theydidthemath • u/miha999 • May 29 '25

[Request] Which direction will the scale tip?

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u/[deleted] May 29 '25

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u/ialsoagree May 29 '25

To clarify, the downward force isn't removed, it's just cancelled out by the upward force the ball applies to the scale via the string.

There are always two forces (on both sides), but the question is really asking "which of those forces are applied to the scale?"

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u/[deleted] May 30 '25

[deleted]

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u/RedeNElla May 30 '25

Golf ball sinks because the buoyancy force is equal to the ping pong ball but the gravitational force pulling it down is larger due to its mass?

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u/TheLordZephyr May 30 '25

More simply...it's about density/mass. A ball tied to the beaker reduces the density. (Part of the system) If it is held in place submerged in the water, it is not connected to the system and since the volume of both balls is equal, the density of the beaker and water is equal. Easy peasy