Triple Beam Balance Use and Operation

1. A triple beam balance is used to measure mass. In the metric system, mass is measured in grams. A triple beam balance can be used to find the mass of an object or to measure out a specific amount of a substance for an experiment.

2. The triple beam balance is a lever. The platform on the left side of the balance is for the unknown. The right side of the balance has three beams, each containing weights called poises. The poises are used to balance the object being measured.

Moving and Handling the Triple Beam Balance Safely:

3. Never pick up a triple beam balance by the beam or platform. To move a triple beam

balance, pick it up by the base, using one hand on each side.

4. Place the triple beam balance on a flat surface before using.

Obtain an Object’s Mass:

5. Make sure the platform is clean and empty.

6. Move the poises to the “0” position.

7. Make sure the triple beam balance is equilibrated.

8. Place the object on the platform.

9. Move the poises either left or right until the balance indicator lines up with the center graduation.

Read the Mass:

10. The mass of the object is equal to the sum of the numbers indicated by the arrows on the poises.

11. For example, if the rear poise points to the 10 g mark, the middle poise points to the 200 g mark, and the front poise to 2.3 g, the total mass of the object on the platform is 212.3 g:

10 g + 200 g + 2.3 g = 212.3 g

12. After you have finished measuring the mass of the object, remove the object from the platform and return each of the poises to the 0 (zero) position.