A balance measures the mass of an object. Balances are instruments used in science and everyday life to determine how heavy something is by comparing it to known masses or by using electronic sensors to provide a direct mass reading. Unlike scales that measure weight (which depends on gravity), balances typically measure mass, which is the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location.
Types of Balances:
- Mechanical balance (like a beam balance) compares the unknown mass to known standard masses.
- Electronic balance uses sensors to measure mass directly and digitally.
Summary:
- What a balance measures: Mass (usually in grams, kilograms, or other units of mass).
