Balance Scales: Definitions and Examples

Home / Educational Resources / Math Resources / Balance Scales: Definitions and Examples

Balance Scales: A Guide

Balance scales, also known as weighing scales or mass scales, are devices used to measure the weight or mass of an object. These scales are based on the principle of balance, which states that two objects of equal weight will balance each other out when placed on opposite sides of a fulcrum.

Definitions:

Mass: the amount of matter in an object, typically measured in kilograms or grams
Weight: the force exerted on an object due to gravity, typically measured in newtons or pounds
Fulcrum: a pivot point around which an object can balance or rotate

There are several types of balance scales, including beam scales, spring scales, and digital scales.

Beam scales have a beam with weights on one end and the object to be weighed on the other end. The weights are moved along the beam until the two sides are balanced, and the weight of the object can be determined by the position of the weights.

Spring scales work by using a spring with a known spring constant. The object to be weighed is attached to the spring, and the spring stretches a certain amount depending on the weight of the object. The weight of the object can then be calculated using the spring constant and the amount of stretch.

Digital scales use sensors to measure the weight of an object. They typically display the weight digitally and may also have the ability to convert between different units of measurement.

Examples:

A kitchen scale is a common type of balance scale used to measure the weight of ingredients for cooking and baking.
A postal scale is used to determine the weight of packages for shipping.
A physician’s scale is used to weigh patients in a medical setting.
A laboratory balance is a high precision scale used in scientific research.
A baby scale is used to measure the weight of infants and young children.

Quiz:

What is mass typically measured in?

Kilograms

Pounds

Newtons

Grams

What is weight typically measured in?

Kilograms

Pounds

Newtons

Grams

What is the pivot point called in a balance scale?

Beam

Spring

Digital display

Fulcrum

What type of scale uses a spring with a known spring constant?

Beam scale

Spring scale

Digital scale

Laboratory balance

What type of scale uses sensors to measure the weight of an object?

Beam scale

Spring scale

Digital scale

Laboratory balance

What is a common use for a kitchen scale?

Weighing patients