As you will see I know nothing about physics and after being asked to solve a ph

Question

As you will see I know nothing about physics and after being asked to solve a physics problem in a recent interview wanted to ask it of professionals and see what the response would be:

I have a set of domestic scales (actually just one scale) that weigh up to the maximum weight of 5kg and a large package that weighs more than 5kgs but less than 10kgs. How can I tell the exact weight using the inadequate scales.

The package is a long item akin to a steal girder but not in weight obviously.

I know that stack exchange has rules about this type of question so please treat it as light entertainment from someone in awe of your intellect.

Explanation / Answer

You put the package horizontally across three scales and add up the weight you see. If the center scale registers more than the limit, move the box, or put some pieces of paper under the scales which are registering a small weight to redistribute the weight.

A more physics-y question would be how to determine the weight when you have only one scale. This can be done by tilting the package at a small angle, by placing one end on a scale (perhaps propped up on something light, like your shoe, so that the weight momentum flow goes through the scale to the floor). To weigh this way requires knowing where the CM of the box is, and this can be determined by balancing it precisely on the edge of the scale (or on your finger, or on something else narrow).

Then the weight registered by the scale (minus the weight of the shoe) is the ratio of the length of the box to the distance from the end which is on the floor to the center of mass. If this is still too heavy, you can tilt the box up to 45 degrees, which will cut down the weight registered by the scale further by a factor of .707, which can be undone by multiplying by 1.414.

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