Analytical balances use comparisons to measure weight, with modern single-pan balances commonly used for small, accurate weights. Chemistry requires high accuracy, achieved through a clear shield and enclosed parts. Calibration knobs and tare containers aid accuracy, but caution is needed to avoid errors. Electronic balances have safety alerts, and the triple beam and equal-arm balances are examples of correct analytical balancing. Joseph Black’s seesaw device changed weighing scales in the 18th century, and two-pan balances were used until the 1940s.
An analytical balance is any balance that uses comparisons to make weight measurements. Analytical means of comparing and up until the 1940s a common two pan balance was used to compare measurements of a known weight with an unknown weight. Comparison of weights is still used in modern single-pan analytical balances, commonly used to measure small, accurate weights. Most of it is needed to measure weights to an accuracy of 0.0000035 ounces (0.1 mg).
Chemistry requires the greatest use of analytical balances because very small amounts of chemicals are often needed for certain experiments. The accuracy of the measurements comes from a clear shield that surrounds the pan. Also all parts are enclosed to avoid any interference. The balance still needs to be compared to another weight to remain accurate.
By placing a known weight on the analytical balance and using the calibration knobs, the measurement can be accurately compared and adjusted to the known measurement. A tare container is used by opening the shield, placing the tare container on the scale, and zeroing the scale. It becomes easy to use because the tare container weight is zeroed. It is important not to bump or contaminate the scale to ensure it remains accurate. Even common activities such as talking loudly and leaning on a workbench can cause errors in measurements.
Many electronic analytical balances have safety alerts, such as green lights, to help prevent errors. Using a brush after each weighing is common practice as is using only a special cloth to touch any part of the analytical balance. The electronic analytical balance should be called a balance. This is because the final weight is calculated from the small force of the spring on the balance and not by subtracting masses as a balance does.
The triple beam balance is an example of correct analytical balancing with comparison. The rider’s arms are used to change weight against the unknown weight in small intervals, producing great accuracy. The equal-arm balance was a common analytical balance that also used glass to encase objects to be measured.
Inventor Joseph Black changed the world when he began using a small seesaw device in his weighing scales during the mid-18th century. Two-pan analytical balances were used until the late 1918s. Since then, rider springs and arms could produce the same precision in a small single balance wheel.
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