Measuring mass

Measuring mass

Open Ended

Is mass the same thing as weight?

Why?

In Physics, mass and weight are not the same.

• Mass- is the amount of matter in an object.

• Weight- is the force of gravity on an object.

Measuring mass with a triple beam balance

In the lab we use different instruments to measure mass, today we look at the triple beam balance.

Measuring mass with a triple beam balance

There are three (3) scales on a triple beam balance. Observe each scale in the picture shown.

The first (front) beam on the balance

The first (front) beam on the balance is the smallest scale and can measure up to 10 grams on some scales.

The second (middle) beam on the balance

The second (middle) beam on the balance is the largest scale and can measure up to 500 grams on most scales.

The third (back) beam on the balance

The third (back) beam on the balance is the second largest scale and can measure up to 100 grams on some scales.

How to get the final reading

The final reading on the triple beam balance is found by add the readings on all three (3) scales.

Final reading = first scale reading + second scale reading + third scale reading

Example

The reading of the triple beam balance in the picture is:

First scale reading: 5.4 g

Second scale reading: 200 g

Third scale reading: 20 g

Final reading = first scale + second scale + third scale

Final reading = 5.4 + 200 + 20

Final reading = 225.4 g

Multiple Choice

True or False:

Mass and weight are the same thing.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

True or False:

The first (front) scale on a triple beam balance is the smallest of the three scales

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

True or False:

The second scale on a triple beam balance is the second largest of the three scales.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

True or False:

The third (back) scale on a triple beam balance can measures up to 100 grams.

• True

• False

Poll

Did you learn anything from this lesson?

• Yes

• No

• Some what

TASK

• Join the google meet session and go through the examples with your teacher.

• Complete the worksheet that you will receive after as an assignment.