Spring Scale (5 N) Use and Operation

1. The spring scale is used to measure force. In the metric system, force is measured in units of newtons.

2. Hold the spring scale by its handle and complete the following steps when using the spring scale.

3. Equilibrate the spring scale. If the platform is not lined up with the 0 N mark, turn the nut at the top of the spring scale. Turning counterclockwise lowers the platform, and clockwise motion raises the platform (see pictures below: the scale on the left is too high above the zero calibration. The scale on the right is too low below the zero calibration. The scale in the middle is just right).

4. Place the load on the hook of the spring scale. Read from the side of the spring scale which has the newton scale. Each small line on the scale represents 0.1 N. Remember that the numbers on the spring scale increase as they go down the scale.