Mass vs. Weight 5:20

Mass and Weight Defined Mass is a measurement of the amount of matter something contains. Weight is the measurement of the pull of gravity on an object.

Mass and Weight Measured Mass is measured using a balance (triple beam balance) comparing a known amount of matter to an unknown amount of matter. Weight is measured using a scale.

Can the Mass and Weight of an Object Change? The Mass of an object doesn't change when an object's location changes. Weight does change with location.

Triple Beam Balance3:00

Steps for Using a Triple Beam Balance Make sure all RIDERS are all the way to the left. Make sure the balance is CALIBRATED—On Zero. (If not adjust with knob) Place item on PAN. Move HUNDRED RIDER first, TEN Rider second and GRAM rider third. Calculate the mass by adding up the THREE riders. 5. Remove item and RETURN all RIDERS to ZERO.

Double Pan Balance used for comparing the masses of two objects or for calculating the mass of an object

Parts of a Double Pan Balance Pointer Mass

Using a Double-Pan Balance 1. First, zero the balance. It’s zeroed if the pointer is at zero when both pans are empty. A double-pan balance usually has sliding knobs you can use to zero the balance if necessary. 2. Place the object you want to measure on one of the pans. 3. Place standard masses onto the other pan, starting with the largest standard mass. If this adds too much mass to the balance, begin with the next smaller standard mass. 4. Keep adding standard masses until both pans are balanced and the pointer points to zero. Determine the mass of the object in grams by adding the standard masses together.