The mass of a quantity is measured using a balance, not a scale. A balance compares the weight of the object to a known mass or set of known masses that have been calibrated against a standard. This directly measures the inherent property of mass – the amount of matter – and isn't affected by gravitational forces.
Methods for Measuring Mass
Several methods exist for measuring mass, depending on the quantity and precision required:
- Using a balance: This is the most common method. Balances, like analytical balances or triple beam balances, use a system of levers and weights to compare the unknown mass to known standards. The balance provides a direct measure of the mass. [Reference 1: The mass of an object is measured by use of a balance (not a scale).]
- Using a scale: While scales indirectly measure mass by measuring the force of gravity on an object (weight), the obtained value is only accurate for a specific gravitational field. This can be converted to mass by applying the gravitational constant at that location. This method is less precise than using a balance for measuring mass. [Reference 5: Weight is a measure of the force of gravity on a physical object and is measured in newtons.]
- Indirect methods: In certain scientific contexts, mass might be determined indirectly through other measurable quantities, depending on the system. For example, in particle physics, mass might be inferred from momentum and energy. [Reference 7: Mass is an intrinsic property of a body.] [Reference 8: This Letter documents a measurement of the first jet substructure quantity at a hadron collider to be calculated at next-to-next-to-leading-logarithm accuracy.]
Units of Mass
The standard unit for mass in the International System of Units (SI) is the kilogram (kg). Other units, such as grams (g), milligrams (mg), and tonnes (t), are commonly used based on the magnitude of the mass being measured. [Reference 6: Base quantity: mass, base unit: kilogram, kg]
Understanding Mass vs. Weight
It's crucial to differentiate between mass and weight. Mass is an intrinsic property of an object; it remains constant regardless of location. Weight, on the other hand, is the force of gravity acting on an object and varies with gravitational acceleration. A balance measures mass, while a scale primarily measures weight. [Reference 5: Weight is a measure of the force of gravity on a physical object...]
