Any Physicists Out There?

JohnM20
JohnM20 Forum Participant Posts: 1,416
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edited July 2022 in General Chat #1

Here's a non-caravanning question that has got me puzzled. Why is it that our bathroom scales, when used on the soft bedroom carpet show a figure 2kg higher than when we use them on the hard bathroom floor? I would have expected it to be the other way round with the carpet pile absorbing some of the weight that would otherwise be taken fully by the scales. The other question, of course, is which figure do I believe, or want to believe?

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  • RedKite
    RedKite Club Member Posts: 1,717 ✭✭
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    edited July 2022 #2

    Oh said it is the springiness of the carpet pile pushing upwards which add to the weight difference.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited July 2022 #3

    I have found the same. However, unless the scales have been calibrated, it merely serves to tell you whether your weight is rising or falling. Unfortunately mine are displaying the reluctance of a month's worth of croissants and pain au raisins whilst in France to dissipate despite my abstemious regime since returning home. It does not augur well for my next trip away and the occasional full English.

  • Rocky 2 buckets
    Rocky 2 buckets Forum Participant Posts: 7,101
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    edited July 2022 #4

    Fulcrums-the carpet supports the base of the scales which in turn stops the internal base bending followed by the measuring system impeding the system set up. I’m no physicist but I’ve come across the question before. It defies our logic but as a cop out-‘that’s Physics’🤷🏻‍♂️
    If in doubt Google it👍🏻😊

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