Cabinet #4
Triple Beam Balance  Electronic Balance w/ Weigh Paper  |
Balances A balance is a devise that is used to determine the mass of an object. Three types of balances can often be found in a basic chemistry lab. A double-pan balance compares the mass of one substance to the known masses of weights put on the opposite pan. When the arm of the balance is level, the two masses are equal. A triple beam balance is a balance with one pan to which you put the object to be massed and the opposite are has three beams with sliding weights. The weights are moved until the arm is level and the mass is found by reading the indicated mass on each of the three beams. Once a student understands the concept of mass, it is often quicker to use an electronic balance to find the mass of an object. The electronic balance is used by adding the substance to be massed on the balance pan and a reading is digitally output. Chemicals should NEVER be placed directly on the weighing pans. Instead weigh paper or weigh boats should be used. Learn how to use a triple beam balance at: Learn how to use an electronic balance at: |
| Weigh Paper Weigh Boats  |
Weigh Paper and Weigh Boats Since balances can be expensive pieces of equipment in the chemistry lab, precaution must be taken when using them. To protect balances from the corrosive affects of chemicals, weigh paper or weigh boats should be used. These light substances act as a barrier between the balance pan and the chemical as well as a convenient way to transfer your chemical to your reaction vessel. If a liquid is to be masses, a beaker should be weighed before the liquid is put in and then weighed after. Weigh paper and weigh boats are not effective for finding the mass of liquids. |
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