(unknown weight
x ) on the plate at the 100 cm end.
Step 2: Calculating Clockwise Torque
The things making a clockwise turning effect (torque) around the pivot at 45 cm are:
The 200 g plate at 100 cm , which is 55 cm from the pivot
(100−45=55),
The vegetable weight
(x) on this plate, also 55 cm from pivot,
50−45=5cm, but the calculation uses 5 cm for the rest mass).
So,
Clockwise torque
200×55+x×55+100×5=11,500+55xStep 3: Calculating Anticlockwise Torque
The things making an anticlockwise torque are:
The 200 g plate at
0cm,45cm away from pivot,
The 300 g weight at
0cm,45cm away from pivot.
So,
Anticlockwise torque
200×45+300×45=9,000+13,500=22,500Step 4: Setting Torques Equal (Balance)
For balance, clockwise torque = anticlockwise torque.
11,500+55x‌=22,50055x‌=22,500−11,500=11,000x‌=‌=200gSo, the actual mass of the vegetables is 200 g .
Step 5: Calculate the Error
The balance shows 300 g (apparent weight), but the real weight is 200 g (actual weight).
‌ Error ‌=300−200=100g
