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FMA-2020B-20 · 2020B F = ma (AAPT)

2020 F = ma Exam B — Question 20

A well-calibrated scale reads zero when nothing is placed on it. When a deflated balloon is placed on the scale, it reads mg. When a non-airtight box is placed on the scale, it reads M g, where M > m. The balloon is inflated with helium, so that it floats upward in air. The balloon is placed in the box, and the box is placed on the scale. If the scale reads W , which of the following is true?
Source: Question 20, 2020 F = ma Exam B, © 2020 American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) and the U.S. Physics Team. Adapted by PhysicsTrainer: reformatted into a separate question and answer choices for online multiple-choice practice; any shared setup from nearby questions is repeated here. Not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPT or the U.S. Physics Team.