You are given a 1kg trolley of unknown mass. Explain how the mass of the unknown trolley can be determined if a mass meter scale is not available

To determine the mass of the unknown trolley without a mass meter scale, you can use the principle of balance and weight distribution. Here's the step-by-step process:

1. Find a known mass object: Look for any objects with a known mass, such as weights or any other objects that have a known weight specified on them.

2. Set up a balance: Place the known mass object on one side of a seesaw-like balance and place the unknown trolley on the other side. The balance should be able to pivot freely.

3. Establish equilibrium: Adjust the position of the unknown trolley and the known mass object until the balance is in equilibrium, meaning it is level and not tilted towards either side.

4. Measure the distances: Measure the distance from the pivot point to the known mass object (let's call it d1) and the distance from the pivot point to the unknown trolley (let's call it d2).

5. Apply the principle of lever: The principle of lever states that the product of the mass and the distance from the pivot point is the same on both sides of the balance. In equation form, it can be written as:

mass of known object (m1) x d1 = mass of unknown trolley (m2) x d2

6. Substitute the known values: Insert the known values into the equation. For example, if the known mass object weighs 2 kg (m1) and its distance from the pivot point is 0.5 meters (d1), the equation becomes:

2 kg x 0.5 meters = m2 x d2

7. Solve for the unknown mass: Rearrange the equation to solve for the mass of the unknown trolley (m2):

m2 = (2 kg x 0.5 meters) / d2

By using the measured distance (d2) from the previous step and performing the calculation, you'll be able to determine the mass of the unknown trolley.

It is important to note that this method assumes that the balance is frictionless and that the weight distribution is uniform on the unknown trolley.