Scales and Balances Notes

There are several kinds of balances This is a Triple-Beam -This is a Balance Balance

Using a balance Place the object in one tray. Add the heaviest weight to the other tray If it tips, add the next heaviest weight. If it is too heavy, take that weight out, and add the next heaviest weight. Continue adding weights to the other tray until the scale balances. Add all the weights up to get your measurement in grams

Using a Triple Beam balance Move the 100’s weight bar first. Slide it away from the object until the bar tilts, and then move it one notch back. Move the 10’s weight bar next. Slide it away from the object until the bar tilts, then move it one notch back. Move the 1’s weight bar last. Slide it away from the object until the pointer lines up with the balance line. Add the 100’s, 10’s and 1’s measurements up, and that is your total in grams

There are several kinds of scales This is a digital scale - This is a spring scale

Using a digital scale Turn on the scale, and wait. The screen will flash several messages. Don’t put anything on it until it reads 0.0g. Then put the object on the scale to get your measurement in grams. The scale will change a little. Pick the number that comes up most often. To reset the scale, push the “zero” button. That will return it to 0.0g

Using a Spring Scale Hold the spring scale from the handle on the top, and gently hang the object from the hook on the bottom. One side of the scale measures in Grams, the other side measures in Newtons (N). To read the scale, look at where the top of the plunger inside lines up with the lines on the tube.