• BCsven@lemmy.ca
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    5 days ago

    Besides the 1000g vs 100kg non equation: Technically 100kg of steel would feel slightly heavier than 100kg of feathers. The feathers center of mass and would be further from the earth.

    • Unboxious@ani.social
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      5 days ago

      Also it would be super annoying to actually pick up 100kg of feathers. Just think of how big that would be! I imagine it would be difficult to get a good grip on.

    • Mandarbmax@lemmy.world
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      5 days ago

      The feathers would be less dense so their center of mass would also be further away from the person holding them horizontally (unless they were hoisted straight up over the holder) and thus require more torque to keep from toppling over.

      But also being less dense but the same mass the feathers would displace more air and thus have more buoyant force on them, so even though they will be no less massive they would apply less downward force.

      So I think the conclusion is that for steel and feathers of equal mass the feathers would be less heavy but require more strength to carry.

    • otacon239@lemmy.world
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      5 days ago

      I love how every time this question comes up, it feels like there’s a new way it’s counterintuitive when correct. But now we have to ask about the format. Because they could be arranged uniquely, aligning their centers of mass… 🤔

      • Goretantath@lemmy.world
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        5 days ago

        I still don’t get how its counterintuitive ever, if people had decent reading comprehension they’d just ignore the actual substance being weighed and only factor in the weight itself…