Triple Beam Balance

Front

Triple Beam Balance Noun

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[trip-ul beem bal-ans]

Back

Triple Beam Balance

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A mechanical instrument used to measure the mass of an object with high precision using sliding weights on three beams.

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Example: This diagram demonstrates how to read a triple beam balance by showing the individual measurements on the three beams and then adding them together to find the total mass.

Front

Mass Noun

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[mas]

Back

Mass

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The measure of the amount of matter contained within a physical body, commonly measured in grams or kilograms.

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Example: This image shows a simple balance scale comparing the mass of an apple to a 1g weight, illustrating that the apple has more mass.

Front

Weighing Pan Noun

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[way-ing pan]

Back

Weighing Pan

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The flat plate on a balance where the object to be massed is placed for measurement.

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Example: This image shows a triple beam balance and uses an arrow to point out the weighing pan, the flat platform where an object is placed to be measured.

Front

Poise Noun

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[poyz]

Back

Poise

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The sliding masses that are moved along the notched beams of a triple beam balance to determine an object's mass.

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Example: This image shows a balanced beam, representing the state of being poised, but fails to show the scientific object called a 'poise' (a sliding weight).

Front

Notched Beams Noun

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[nocht beemz]

Back

Notched Beams

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The three horizontal bars on a balance, marked with increments, along which the poises are moved to measure mass.

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Example: This diagram shows the notched beams of a triple beam balance, where the riders click into place at specific mass values like 10 or 100 grams.

Front

Vane Noun

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[vayn]

Back

Vane

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A component within the balance mechanism that works with a magnetic dampener to slow the beam's oscillatory motion.

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Example: This image shows a simple model of a weather vane, which indicates wind direction. This concept is unrelated to a triple beam balance, an instrument for measuring mass.

Front

Magnetic Dampener Noun

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[mag-net-ik dam-pen-er]

Back

Magnetic Dampener

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A feature that uses magnetic force to reduce the oscillation of the balance beam, enabling faster and more stable readings.

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Example: On a triple beam balance, a metal damper vane moves between magnets, creating a force that slows the beam's oscillation and helps it settle faster.

Front

Zero Adjust Knob Noun

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[zee-roh a-just nob]

Back

Zero Adjust Knob

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A knob used to calibrate the balance, ensuring the pointer aligns with the zero mark before a measurement is taken.

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Example: This image identifies the Zero Adjustment Knob on a triple beam balance, which is turned to make sure the pointer is at zero before weighing an object.

Front

Bearing Noun

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[bair-ing]

Back

Bearing

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A machine element that constrains relative motion to only the desired motion, reducing friction between moving parts like pivots.

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Example: This image shows a compass rose, where a bearing is a direction measured in degrees from North, used for navigation.

Front

Gram Noun

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[gram]

Back

Gram

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The standard metric unit of mass, equivalent to one-thousandth of a kilogram, commonly used with a triple beam balance.

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Example: This image shows a set of standard masses, including a 1-gram (1g) weight, used to measure the mass of objects on a balance.