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How to Use a Chemical Balance in Chemistry

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Principles, Types, and Best Practices for Chemical Balances

Chemical balance is a beam balance instrument that is used in a quantitative measure of the chemical with great precision. It measures the mass of the chemical up to four decimal places. It is used in the quantitative analysis of the chemical. It has the ability to recognise any minimal deviation. 


Chemical Balance Diagram


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Weighing Balance Principle

The weighing balance principle works on electromagnetic force restoration (EMFR). The principle of the beam balance is comparable to the weighing balance principle. On the one side weight is laid, known as the coil arm. The coil arm is attached to the other arm of the weighing balance. It tries to move out of the electromagnetic force of the magnetic field. This is the basis of the rapid and accurate measurement of the weighing balance. High current is passed through the coil with the help of the electrical regulator. This high voltage current helps in keeping the weighing balance in a neutral position.


Weighing Balance Diagram


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Weighing Balance Uses

Weighing balance is used in the Pharmaceutical industry.

It is used in the food industry.

Weighing balance is used in the chemical industries.

Due to their high accuracy, weighing balance is used in various laboratories like biology laboratories, chemistry laboratories, physics laboratories.


Different Types of Balance

Analytical Balance

Spring Balance

Micro Balance

Carat Balance


Physical Balance Diagram


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In the above physical balance diagram, an instrument is shown that is used to measure the gravitational mass of the substance. The physical balance diagram shows that it works on the basis of the moment of equilibrium. The anticlockwise moment caused by the weight balances the clockwise moment of the standard weight.


Analytical Balance 

An analytical balance is an instrument generally used to measure the small amounts of masses of the substance. This instrument has a calibration adjustment for the minimization of the gravitational errors during the quantitative analysis. Let’s discuss the analytical balance diagram.


Analytical Balance Diagram  


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The analytical balance diagram shows the measuring pan located inside the transparent glass. These transparent doors prevent the entry of dust inside the chamber. It also minimises the effect of the air while measuring the mass of the chemical. The covered part is called a draft shield.


Analytical Balance Uses

An analytical balance is used to measure the mass of the substances in the laboratories.

An analytical balance is used in the quantitative analysis of the liquid, powder or granular substances.

It is used for the preparation of the standard solutions in the chemical laboratory.

It is used to measure the weighing of the biomass of the small plants part in the biology laboratories.


Factors that Affect the Readings of these Balances

Some of the most common factors that tend to affect the reading on analytical balances are as follows: 

  • Vibrations

  • Air draft

  • Temperature

  • Magnets

  • Uncalibrated scales

  • Slope

  • Chemical reactions

  • User error

  • Improper handling of the weights 

  • Improper grounding

 

Fractional Weight Box

A fractional weight box is a box that contains the tools required for the measurement like rider, forceps, and standard weight ranging in grams and milligrams. It is used in various laboratories for the accurate measurement of weight. A fractional weight box is generally available in the form of aluminium, wood, and plastic. The standard weights inside the box are generally made up of copper or aluminium.


Fractional Weight Box Image


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Did You Know?

The earliest weighing balance was made up of wood and used bronze masses.

The first mass measuring instrument invented was beam balance.

Instruments or equipment that have a pendulum-type scale do not use spring.

Beam balance is a type of balance that consists of a lever with two arms of equal size and a pan suspended on each arm.

FAQs on How to Use a Chemical Balance in Chemistry

1. What is a chemical balance and what is its primary function in a science lab?

A chemical balance is a highly sensitive instrument used to measure the mass of substances with great precision. Its primary function in a chemistry lab is for tasks that require exact amounts of chemicals, such as preparing solutions of a specific concentration or performing quantitative analysis where accuracy is essential.

2. How does a chemical balance differ from a common digital scale?

The main difference lies in what they measure and their precision. A chemical balance measures mass by comparing an unknown mass to a known mass and is extremely sensitive. A common digital scale measures weight (the force of gravity on an object) and is generally less precise, making it unsuitable for scientific experiments that need high accuracy.

3. Why must substances be weighed in a container and not directly on the balance pan?

Substances should not be placed directly on the balance pan for two main reasons. First, chemicals can corrode or damage the delicate surface of the pan, affecting future measurements. Second, placing the substance in a tared (pre-weighed) container ensures that you are measuring only the mass of the substance itself and prevents any loss or contamination, leading to a more accurate result.

4. What are the basic steps to accurately measure the mass of a chemical?

To measure a chemical's mass accurately, follow these steps:

  • First, ensure the balance is level and set to zero.
  • Place a clean, empty container (like a beaker or watch glass) on the pan and record its mass. This is called taring.
  • Carefully add the chemical substance into the container while it's off the balance.
  • Place the container with the chemical back on the pan and record the new total mass.
  • Subtract the container's mass from the total mass to find the exact mass of the chemical.

5. Why is it crucial to handle the standard weights with forceps and avoid touching them with bare hands?

It is crucial to use forceps because our hands have natural oils and moisture. If you touch the weights, this residue can transfer to them, altering their mass slightly. Over time, this can also cause the weights to corrode. Since a chemical balance is highly sensitive, even a tiny change in the mass of the standard weights can lead to inaccurate readings.

6. What kind of errors can affect the reading of a chemical balance, and how can students prevent them?

Several errors can affect a balance's reading. Common ones include vibrations from the table, air drafts from open windows or air conditioning, and placing objects that are not at room temperature on the pan. To prevent these, always use the balance on a sturdy, level surface, close the glass doors of the balance during measurement, and allow any hot or cold items to return to room temperature before weighing.

7. How do factors like air currents or temperature affect the accuracy of a chemical balance?

A chemical balance is sensitive enough to be affected by subtle environmental factors.

  • Air currents: Even a slight breeze can exert pressure on the balance pan, causing the reading to fluctuate and be incorrect. This is why balances are enclosed in a glass case.
  • Temperature: A hot object heats the air around it, creating convection currents that make the object seem lighter. A cold object can cause moisture to condense on it from the air, making it seem heavier.
For an accurate reading, the object must be at the same temperature as the balance.

8. Besides school labs, in what real-world industries is a chemical balance used?

Precise measurement using chemical or analytical balances is critical in many industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, it's used to measure exact quantities of active ingredients for medicines. The food industry uses it for quality control and to ensure nutritional information is accurate. It is also essential in forensic science for analysing evidence and in materials science for creating new compounds.