Lab no.

Weighing Balance

9.1 Objective:
 Accurate Measurement: To precisely measure the mass of substances, ensuring reliable
data for experiments, formulations, or quality control processes.
 Calibration and Standardization: To calibrate the balance regularly and ensure it complies
with established standards, maintaining accuracy and reproducibility in measurements.
 Efficiency and Consistency: To facilitate efficient and consistent weighing procedures,
optimizing workflow in research, development, or manufacturing environments.

9.2 Introduction:
A scale or balance is a device used to measure weight or mass. These are also known as mass
scales, weight scales, mass balances, and weight balances. These are instruments which are used
to determine the weight or mass of an object. Available in a wide range of sizes with multiple
weighing capacities they are essential tools in laboratories, commercial kitchens and pharmacies
to name but a few. Weighing balances are commonly used by professionals for advanced scientific
weighing in the following industries:
 Pharmaceutical
 Educational
 Food and Beverage
 Chemical
 Industrial
 Laboratories

9.3 Literature review:

The balance scale is such a simple device that its usage likely far predates the evidence. What has
allowed archaeologists to link artifacts to weighing scales are the stones for determining absolute
mass. The balance scale itself was probably used to determine relative mass long before absolute
mass The oldest attested evidence for the existence of weighing scales dates to the Fourth Dynasty
of Egypt, with Deben (unit) balance weights, from the reign of Sneferu (c. 2600 BC) excavated,
though earlier usage has been proposed.[2] Carved stones bearing marks denoting mass and the
Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol for gold have been discovered, which suggests that Egyptian
merchants had been using an established system of mass measurement to catalog gold shipments
or gold mine yields. Although no actual scales from this era have survived, many sets of weighing
stones as well as murals depicting the use of balance scales suggest widespread usage.
 Figure 9.1: shows the mechanical balance of the past

The balance (also balance scale, beam balance and laboratory balance) was the first mass
measuring instrument invented. In its traditional form, it consists of a pivoted horizontal lever with
arms of equal length – the beam or tron – and a weighing pan suspended from each arm (hence
the plural name "scales" for a weighing instrument). The unknown mass is placed in one pan and
standard masses are added to the other pan until the beam is as close to equilibrium as possible. In
precision balances, a more accurate determination of the mass is given by the position of a sliding
mass moved along a graduated scale. A decimal balance uses the lever in which the arm for weights
is 10 times longer than the arm for weighted objects, so that much lighter weights may be used to
weigh heavy object. Similarly a centesimal balance uses arms in ratio 1:100.

Figure 9.2: shows old decimal balance with weights

An analytical balance is a class of balance designed to measure small mass in the sub-milligram
range. The measuring pan of an analytical balance (0.1 mg or better) is inside a transparent
enclosure with doors so that dust does not collect and so any air currents in the room do not affect
the balance's operation. This enclosure is often called a draft shield. The use of a
mechanically vented balance safety enclosure, which has uniquely designed acrylic airfoils, allows
a smooth turbulence-free airflow that prevents balance fluctuation and the measure of mass down
to 1 μg without fluctuations or loss of product. Also, the sample must be at room temperature to
prevent natural convection from forming air currents inside the enclosure from causing an error in
reading.
Parts of an Analytical Balance
 Analytical balances consist of several components that include:
 Weighing pan
 Weighing chamber
 Draft shield
 Calibration weights
 Display

Figure 9.3: shows the analytical balance

10.4 Methodology:
10.4.1 Preparation for Weighing
To obtain accurate measurements, several steps must be taken before weighing. These include:
 Turn on the balance and allow it to warm up for 30 minutes to an hour.
 Close the doors of the weighing chamber to protect the balance from air currents and dust.
 Calibrate the balance using appropriate weights.
 Level the balance by adjusting the leveling feet.
 Tare the balance to zero by pressing the tare button.
 Wait for the balance to stabilize before placing the sample.
10.4.2 Weighing the Sample
After the laboratory balance has been calibrated and prepared for weighing, the sample can be
weighed. To obtain accurate measurements, follow these steps:
 Open the doors of the weighing chamber.
 Place the sample on the center of the weighing pan.
 Close the doors of the weighing chamber.
 Wait for the balance to stabilize before taking the reading.
 Record the weight.
10.5 Conclusion:
In conclusion, the lab weighing balance serves as a critical tool for accurate and precise
measurement of substance mass. Its role in scientific research, quality control, and manufacturing
processes is indispensable, ensuring reliable data and adherence to standards. Through regular
calibration and maintenance, the balance upholds accuracy and reproducibility, contributing to the
integrity of experimental results and product quality. Its efficiency and consistency streamline
workflows, enhancing productivity and decision-making in various industries. Overall, the lab
weighing balance stands as a cornerstone of measurement integrity and quality assurance in
laboratory settings.
10.6 Table:
Type of Dry 10 ml Water After
material water droplets drying
Test tube 0.8030g 1.1824g 0.8321g 0.7996g

Beaker 30.4187g 10.5284g 30.4992g 30.4187g

Filter paper 0.7822g 1.1436g ___ 0.7763g

Medicine Pallet: With Powder 1.1786g

0.7633g powder & medicine
paper: with
1.2176g water:
1.6916g

Beaker was also measured using different balance and its weight was 0.041g

10.6 Questions:
1. What is the type of weighing balance you have used in your lab?
In our lab, we primarily utilize analytical balances for their high precision and accuracy in
measuring small quantities, essential for experiments requiring meticulous dosage control.
2. Why is it important to calibrate the weighing balance before taking measurements?
Calibration of the weighing balance before measurements is vital to ensure its accuracy and
reliability by correcting any deviations from standard values, guaranteeing the integrity of
experimental data.
3. What would happen if the balance is not properly calibrated?
Failure to properly calibrate the balance can lead to significant inaccuracies in measurements,
potentially resulting in erroneous experimental results or incorrect dosages in manufacturing
processes.
4. Describe the calibration procedure for the weighing balance used in this experiment?
The calibration procedure typically involves comparing the balance's readings with known
standard weights across its operating range, adjusting it accordingly to eliminate any systematic
errors and ensure consistent performance.
5. Were there any differences in accuracy when measuring the weight of powder medicine
samples? If so, what might account for these differences?
Variations in accuracy when measuring powder medicine samples may stem from factors such as
differences in particle size distribution, compaction, or static charge, influencing how the powder
settles on the weighing vessel.
6. Discuss any specific scenarios where precise measurement of solid and powder medicines
is critical for patient safety and therapeutic efficacy?
Precise measurement of solid and powder medicines is critical to ensure accurate dosage
administration, preventing under- or overdosing, which could compromise patient safety and
therapeutic effectiveness, particularly in sensitive populations.
7. The medicine in solid form has more weight than medicine in powder form or medicine in
0.5ml water. Compare these three forms of medicine, also give justification?
Solid medicine typically weighs more than an equivalent volume of powdered medicine or the
same amount dissolved in water due to differences in density, particle size, and compactness,
affecting dosage accuracy and dissolution kinetics.
8. Why it is important to press ‘Tare’ button before measuring weight of water in beaker or
test tube?
Pressing the 'Tare' button before weighing water in a container allows the balance to account for
the container's weight, providing an accurate measurement of the water volume alone without
interference.
9. Why we don’t press ‘Tare’ button before measuring weight of filter paper (absorbed with
water)?
'Tare' isn't pressed before measuring filter paper with absorbed water because the weight of the
filter paper is already considered part of the measurement, and pressing 'Tare' would reset the
balance, omitting the paper's weight.
10. Write the name of both weighing balances you have used in your lab, compare them.
Which one is the best and why?
Analytical balances offer higher precision and sensitivity suitable for measuring minute quantities,
while precision balances offer slightly lower precision but are more versatile for broader weighing
applications, making the choice dependent on the specific needs of the experiment or process.
10.7 References:
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weighing_scale
 https://www.myprojectcircuits.com/materials/design-and-construction-of-a-digital-
weight-balance/