Physics · Glossary

What is Spring scale?

Definition 24.4 Primary & Middle School Physics · Chapter 24 — Weight and Mass

A spring scale measures weight by letting it stretch a spring: the harder the pull, the longer the stretch. A pointer beside the stretched spring shows the reading. Fishermen’s scales, luggage scales and the kitchen scale’s insides all work this way — they feel the pull, not the stuff.

A spring feels weight: one brick stretches it; two identical bricks stretch it twice as far.
A spring feels weight: one brick stretches it; two identical bricks stretch it twice as far.
A spring scale at work: the load’s weight stretches the spring, and the pointer turns that stretch into a reading.
A spring scale at work: the load’s weight stretches the spring, and the pointer turns that stretch into a reading.
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