Beam balance

Principle

In Experiment ME 2.3 [Weight (force)] the students determine the mass of different objects with a spring balance (dynamometer). They measured the force with a mass experiences under the influence of the earth's gravity. In contrast to this, measurements with the beam balance determine the mass of an object by comparing it with a defined mass from a weight set. At the same time this means that the earth's acceleration of gravity plays no role for this type of measurement. A beam balance always provides correct results, e.g., even on the moon.

In this experiment the students should determine the mass of different objects with a beam balance; in additional they should perform a tare measurement; and they should improve the reading accuracy to the extent that, by interpolating the scale, they determine intermediate weights which the weight set cannot provide because of its graduation.

In a supplementary problem the sensitivity of a beam balance should be determined and its dependence on different loads established.

Benefits

• Real stand material for an esecially stable and safe setup
• Student-suitable experiment descriptions with reports available