A body of mass 1 kg is suspended from a spring balance calibrated for acceleration due to gravity of 10 m`cdot s^(-2)`. What is the reading on the spring balance when the system (i) is ascending with an acceleration of 5 m`cdot s^(-2)` and (ii) is descending with the same acceleration? [ g = 10 `m cdot s^(-2)`]

Explanation

Reaction force on the balance when it ascends,
R = m(g + a ) = 1(10 + 5) = 15 N.
`therefore` In this case, the reading of the spring balance
` = (15)/(10) = 1.5` kg.
(ii)Reaction force when the system descends,
R = m(g - a) = 1(10 - 5) = 5 N.
`therefore` In this case, the reading of the spring balance
`= (5)/(10)` = 0.5 kg,