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

A scale is a machine designed to measure force. If you use it wrong, it will give you bad results. Most scales work best with a constant force at the center, pushing straight down.

But if you’re using it right? Yeah, not pressure but force – you’re pushing down with the same force as fifteen pounds of stuff.