A beam scale consists of a base that holds a balanced counter weight, a platform called the pan, a set of weights that slide along a horizontal scale called a beam, which marks the weight in specific increments, and a pointer, which indicates when the scale is balanced. Some beam scales use multiple beams that measure in increasingly smaller increments, which provides very accurate weight measures. Beam scales are frequently found in laboratory or industrial settings. The most familiar type is the beam scale used in medical offices to determine body weight.
Step 1
Adjust the counter weight on the beam scale until the balance pointer aligns with the zero balance mark on the scale.
Step 2
Place the object to be weighed on the pan of the scale. Slide the heaviest weight along its beam until it tips downward. Move the weight back one increment. The scale should tip upward again.
Step 3
Slide the next lighter weight along its beam until the weight tips downward. Move the weight back one increment to tip the scale up again.
Step 4
Continue this process with each consecutively smaller beam weight until you get to the lightest weight. Move that weight along the beam until the balance pointer again aligns with the zero balance mark on the scale.
Step 5
Record the weight values on each beam. Add the values to determine the total weight of the object.
Member Comments