so if you push down on a scale and it says 15 pounds does that mean I apply 15 pounds of pressure or is it more complicated than that

Question

so if you push down on a scale and it says 15 pounds does that mean I apply 15 pounds of pressure or is it more complicated than that

In: Physics

Answer 1

Not pressure, force. Pressure is force divided by area at which this force is applied. If you push with one hand and it says 15 pounds, abd and then you push with the same 15 pounds but with two hands, the pressure will be halved, but force is still the same

Scales are basically a tool to measure force you apply to them. They’re just converting this force to mass, if you use them on earth.