Physics

Problem

A spring balance is calibrated in kilogram on Earth where

g = 9.8\,\text{m s}^{-2}

. The balance reads exactly

10\,\text{kg}

for a certain block on Earth. What reading (in kilogram) will the same balance show for the block at a location where

g = 9.0\,\text{m s}^{-2}

? a)

10.0\,\text{kg}

10.9\,\text{kg}

9.2\,\text{kg}

9.0\,\text{kg}

Intuitive explanation

A spring balance doesn't actually measure mass—it measures the force (weight) pressing down on it. The scale is calibrated assuming Earth's standard gravity, so it converts force back to a mass reading using that fixed $g$ value. When gravity changes, the force on the spring changes, but the scale still uses the same conversion factor, giving a different reading. You need to find what mass the balance thinks it's holding based on the weaker gravitational force.

Intuitive explanation

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