Physics – 1.2 Motion | e-Consult
1.2 Motion (1 questions)
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The balance works by comparing the downward forces exerted by the objects. The metal cylinder, with a mass of 25g, will exert a smaller downward force than the wooden block, which has a mass of 30g. This is because the weight of an object is directly proportional to its mass (Weight = mass x acceleration due to gravity).
On a balance, the arms are positioned so that the object with the greater downward force causes the arm to lower. Therefore, the arm supporting the metal cylinder will be higher than the arm supporting the wooden block. The metal cylinder will be on the lighter side of the balance, and the wooden block will be on the heavier side.