Weighing Water and Fingers

Most recent answer: 03/20/2010

Q:
If I stick the tip of my finger into a bowl of water atop a weighing scale, will the weight of the water be affected?
- anon (age 12)
Singapore
A:
Sure, the scale will read more total weight.  But watch out here, the weight of the water stays
the same, but the force of your finger will be transmitted through the water to the scale.
Think of making a little boat.  If you float the boat in the water the scale will have to register the sum of the weight of the water plus the weight of the boat.

LeeH

(published on 03/20/2010)