A stretching force of 1 N is applied at one end of a spring balance and an equal stretching force is applied at the other end at the same time. The reading on the balance will be

Options

A. zero
B. 1N
C. 2N
D. 0.5 N

Explanation

To solve the problem, we need to analyze the situation where a spring balance is subjected to equal stretching forces at both ends. Here's a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Forces Acting on the Spring
When a stretching force of 1 N is applied at one end of the spring balance and an equal force of 1 N is applied at the other end, we need to consider how these forces interact.

**Hint:** Visualize the spring balance and the forces acting on it.

### Step 2: Identify the Direction of Forces
The forces are applied in opposite directions. The force applied at one end pulls the spring downwards, while the force at the other end pulls it upwards.

**Hint:** Draw a diagram to illustrate the forces acting on the spring balance.

### Step 3: Determine the Spring Force
According to Hooke's Law, the force exerted by a spring (spring force) is proportional to the displacement of the spring from its equilibrium position. The spring force (Fs) acts in the opposite direction to the applied force.

**Hint:** Remember that the spring force will always act to restore the spring to its original length.

### Step 4: Analyze the Equilibrium Condition
In equilibrium, the net force acting on the spring must be zero. This means that the upward spring force must equal the downward applied force.

- If the applied force is 1 N downwards, then the spring force must also be 1 N upwards to maintain equilibrium.

**Hint:** Use the concept of equilibrium to set up the equation: Fs = F_applied.

### Step 5: Conclusion on the Reading of the Spring Balance
The reading on the spring balance measures the force exerted by the spring, which is equal to the applied force when in equilibrium. Since the applied force is 1 N, the reading on the spring balance will also be 1 N.

**Hint:** Recall that the spring balance measures the reaction force, which in this case is equal to the applied force of 1 N.

### Final Answer
The reading on the spring balance will be **1 N**.