What are the Tips for Students to Use Classroom Scales?

According to the level and complexity of the course, students need to learn course cases through experiments and measurements, such as weighing balance and analytical balance. No matter what type of balance it is, maintaining the balance is an investment in schools and students. Today, we will share some tips to help teachers and students use scales correctly.

Make Sure the Balance is Set Correctly

Whether you are doing experiments in the laboratory or in the field, you must place the balance on a flat, stable surface to minimize environmental fluctuations so as to obtain accurate data. If you are in the wild, you need to avoid exposing the scale directly to the natural environment to protect the balance from damage. If you use the balance in the laboratory, avoid placing the laboratory balance in direct sunlight and ventilation. When nothing is weighed, you should make sure that the lab weighting balance is at zero and calibrate if necessary.

Check the Balance Performance Before Measurement

Don't rush to record the data before you start your experiment. First, you should use a test weight to ensure that the balance is stable and gives reliable results. No one wants the balance to be unbalanced in the measurement process. Especially when you need to use a high precision balance or precision lab scale to measure the weight of an object.

Don't Overload the Balance

Backpacks or heavy textbooks should not be the object of measurement with a balance, whether you use a laboratory mechanical balance or a laboratory digital balance. Because overloading the balance will damage the internal parts. If you don't have a capacity tracker on your balance monitor, make sure you know its load-bearing range first.

Remember to Subtract the Weight of the Container

When you weigh a sample in a container, be sure to weigh it before you put it in. If you don't weigh the container in advance, it may lead to wrong results.

Don't Forget to Record the Results

Some scales have accessories to record the results to a printer or computer. When collecting data, make sure you follow the standards used in your science class or laboratory. If your scale is not so advanced, don't forget to record the data manually.

Be Careful When Cleaning the Balance

Before cleaning the balance, you need to remove the objects and weights from the bearing plate. Then clean the balance with a damp cloth or soft paper towel with mild detergent. In this process, you need to avoid acetone and cloth or paper towels that may leave residue. You should clean the balance gently but thoroughly. Do not apply too much pressure, or it will damage the laboratory precision balance or balance chemistry equipment.

Store the Balance Carefully

Even if the balance is not used, it will still overload and damage. Therefore, you need to keep it away from direct sunlight, heat or ventilation to make sure it is away from dust or liquids.

In addition, you need to choose the right balance according to the situation of the laboratory or experimental environment. With these high precision instruments, your experiment will be very successful.