How to Use a Triple- Beam Balance Next

Key Terms Mass - the amount of matter an object has. Matter- something that has mass and takes up space. Weight- Depends on gravity. Weight is equal to mass X gravity. If gravity changes, so does the weight.

Parts of a Balance Pan Beams Thumbscrew Zero Mark Base Riders

Balance Setup  Move all three riders so that they read ‘zero’.  Make sure that there is nothing on the pan and that it is clean. pan  Check to see if the balance reads zero.zero

Balance Setup  If your balance isn’t reading zero so you need to turn the thumbscrew to adjust the balance until it reads zerothumbscrew

Balance Setup  Your balance is ready to measure. Place object to be measured on the pan. Make sure that no part of the object is supported by the table.

Moving Riders  Move the riders, beginning with the largest (middle). When moving a rider causes the balance to tip, move the rider back to the previous position.  Move the next rider until it tips the balance (back/top). Place it back in the previous position.  Move the final rider (front/bottom) until the balance reads zero.zero

Reading Riders  Read each of the riders and add their masses together. The riders indicate the mass is: 373 g

Reading Riders  When you read the last rider, notice that the smaller lines represent tenths.

Reading Riders g  This measurement is past the third line following the 3 on small rider. This indicates a mass of:

Reading Riders g  To maximize the number of digits in the measurement we estimate the last number. Since the rider is actually about halfway between 3.3 and 3.4, we record  ALWAYS USE UNITS (grams)