Weight machines, specifically scales, measure mass in units such as kilograms (kg), grams (g), pounds (lbs), and other units of measurement. Although scales technically measure the force between an object and the Earth, they display the result as mass.
Understanding Weight Machine Measurements
It's important to understand the difference between weight and mass:
- Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. It's affected by changes in gravitational pull.
- Mass is the amount of matter in an object. It's a fundamental property and remains the same regardless of gravitational pull.
Scales measure the force of gravity acting on an object (weight), but they are typically calibrated to display this as mass.
Common Units of Measurement
Scales can display measurements in various units, including:
- Kilograms (kg): The base unit of mass in the metric system.
- Grams (g): A smaller unit of mass, where 1 kg = 1000 g.
- Pounds (lbs): A common unit of mass in the imperial system.
How Weight Machines Work
Scales measure how much force exists between the object being weighed and the Earth to calculate the mass of the object. While they are measuring force they can be calibrated to display mass in the various units listed above.
Practical Examples
- Bathroom Scales: These measure your mass in kilograms or pounds.
- Kitchen Scales: Used for cooking and baking, these usually offer measurements in grams, kilograms, or ounces.
- Industrial Scales: Used in shipping and manufacturing, these might show measurements in kilograms, pounds, or tonnes.
Summary
Weight machines or scales provide measurements of an object's mass in various units. Although they are technically measuring force, the scales are calibrated to display in units of mass, like kilograms, grams, and pounds,
