You find the mass on a balance scale by comparing an unknown mass with known masses until the scale is balanced. This process utilizes the principle of equilibrium to determine the unknown mass.
Using a Balance Scale
Here's a detailed breakdown of how to use a balance scale to measure mass, incorporating the reference information:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Placement: Place the object you want to weigh on one side of the balance scale.
- Adding Known Masses: On the other side of the scale, carefully add gram masses.
- Start with larger masses and gradually reduce their size for finer adjustments.
- The reference states: "A balance scale works by placing the object you want to weigh on one side and adding gram masses to the other side until the scales are level."
- Balancing: Watch the balance carefully.
- If the side with the unknown object is lower, it indicates that more mass needs to be added to the other side.
- If the side with the known masses is lower, it indicates that you have added too much and must remove some.
- Equilibrium: Continue adding or removing known masses until the scales are level. This equilibrium point means the masses on both sides are equal.
- Reading: Once balanced, sum the known gram masses used to balance the scale to determine the mass of the object you are measuring.
Key Principles
- Equilibrium: The fundamental principle is that the balance scale is level when the mass on both sides is equal.
- Comparison: The balance scale works by comparing the unknown mass to the known masses.
- Accuracy: By using a set of gram masses, you achieve an accurate measurement of the unknown mass.
Example
Let's say you are weighing a small rock.
- You place the rock on one side of the scale.
- You add 100 grams, 50 grams, and 10 grams to the other side.
- The scale balances.
- Therefore, the mass of the rock is 160 grams (100g + 50g + 10g).
Table Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Placement | Place the object to be weighed on one side of the balance scale. |
| 2. Adding Masses | Add gram masses to the other side. Begin with larger, then smaller masses. |
| 3. Balancing | Observe which side is lower and adjust gram masses accordingly. |
| 4. Equilibrium | Continue balancing until the scale is level. |
| 5. Reading | Sum the known masses to find the mass of the object. |
By following these steps, you can effectively use a balance scale to determine the mass of an object.
