Pan Balance Use and Operation

1. A pan balance is used to find the mass of an object. It can also compare the mass of one object or several objects to the mass of another object or objects.

2. The pan balance is a lever. A pan is positioned at each side of the fulcrum on pan supports.

• The adjustment knob can be turned in either direction to balance the pans. The adjustment knob makes fine (small) adjustments when balancing the pans.
• The adjustment slider can be moved to the left or right to balance the pans. The adjustment slider makes large adjustments when balancing the pans.
• The damping button can be pressed to slow the motions of the pans.
• Rubber washers fit between the base and the pan platforms to protect the balance during storage and transport.
• The object, or objects, to be measured or compared are placed into the pans.

Equilibrate (Calibrate/Zero) the Pan Balance:

3. If necessary, remove the rubber washers from between the base and pan supports. Each pan is colored coded to a specific pan support. Make sure both of the pans are placed securely on the correct pan supports. The colors of the pans and the pan supports should match.

4. Line up the balance indicator with the center graduation line by using the adjustment slider and adjustment knob. Begin by placing the adjustment slider in the middle of the beam.

5. Turn the adjustment knob so that the balance indicator lines up with the center graduation.

6. If turning the adjustment knob fully in either direction does NOT line up the balance indicator with the center graduation line, move the adjustment slider either right or left to better balance the pans. Then use the adjustment knob to line up the balance indicator and center graduation line.

Obtain an Object’s Mass:

7. Equilibrate the pan balance. Use the steps described above.

8. Place the object(s) to be measured in one of the pans.

9. Place masses on the opposite pan until the balance indicator is lined up with the center graduation.

Compare the Mass of Two Objects:

10. Equilibrate the pan balance. Use the steps described above.

11. Place the first object(s) to be compared in one of the pans.

12. Place the second object(s) in the opposite pan.

13. The balance indicator will move toward the lighter object(s).