HOW TO MEASURE MASS

USING A BALANCE
 Mass measurements in chemistry and
other sciences are performed using a
balance. There are different types of
scales and balances, but two methods can
be used on most instruments to measure
mass: subtraction and taring.
 Proper Use of a Balance

Be sure you understand how to use a balance

before taking mass measurements.
The balance should be clean and free of debris.
The balance should be on a level surface.
Never place a sample directly on the balance. You should
use a weighted boat, weighing sheet, or another container
to hold the sample. Some chemicals you may use in a lab
could corrode or otherwise damage the surface of the
weighing pan.
If the balance has doors, be certain to close them before taking a
measurement. Air movement impacts the accuracy of mass
measurements. If the balance does not have doors, make certain the
area if free of drafts and vibrations before measuring mass.
Mass by Difference or Subtraction

Zero the scale or press the tare button. The

balance should read "0".
Measure the mass of the sample and container.
Dispense the sample into your solution.
Measure the mass of the container. Record the
measurement using the correct number of
significant figures. How many this is will depend on
the particular instrument.
 Mass by Taring
When you use the "tare" function on a scale,
you are making certain the reading starts from zero.
Usually, there is a labeled button or knob to tare the
balance. With some instruments, you need to
manually adjust the reading to zero. Electronic
devices do this automatically, but require periodic
calibration.
Zero the scale or press the tare button. The scale
reading should be "0".
Place the weighing boat or dish on the scale. There is no
need to record this value.
Press the "tare" button on the scale. The
balance reading should be "0".

Add the sample to the container. The value given is

the mass of your sample. Record it using the proper
number of significant figures.
 Sources of Error
Whenever you take a mass measurement, there are several potential sources of
error:

Air gusts may push Buoyancy can affect Condensation of water

the mass up or measurements. Buoyancy is directly on cold items may
down. proportional to the air volume that increase apparent mass.
is displaced and is affected by air
density changes due to temperature
and pressure fluctuations.

Dust accumulation can Evaporation of water from damp Magnetic fields may
add to mass. items may change mass affect components of
measurements over time and vibration the scale.
may make it difficult to obtain a
value, as it will fluctuate.