What is Chemical Balance?
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
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 Using a Chemical Balance
1. What is the working principle of a weighing balance?
The weighing balance principle tends to work on EMFR. Electro-magnetic force restoration or EMFR is a combination of two main components, i.e., electrical as well as mechanical components. Its design is based on the mechanism of balance and can be compared to that of a simple beam balance.
The side on which the weight is laid is known as the coil arm which tends to be attached to the other arm of the weighing balance. So, if a weight is put on one side of the beam, then the opposite side will make an attempt to move out of the magnetic field of the magnet. This deviation is detected by what is known as the position detector. After that, once it is ensured that no further change takes place, the amount of current that is necessary for maintaining the balance of the beam is transmitted through the coil. This whole mechanism in turn ensures the rapid and accurate measurement of the weighing balance.
2. What is the difference between a scale and a balance?
Although both scale and balance are weighing devices, there are various differences between them. They are as follows:
Scale | Balance |
This tends to measure the weight of an object. | This tends to measure the mass of an object. |
The SI unit associated with measuring weight is Newton. | Kilogram is the basic unit of measurement associated with mass. |
3. Explain the different types of balance and their uses.
There are various types of balance and they are as follows:
Analytical balance: this instrument is usually for measuring a small amount of mass of solids, liquids, and granular substances. It is also used for preparing standard solutions and for weighing the biomass of small plant parts.
Its calibration adjustment tends to minimise the gravitational errors that may occur during the quantitative analysis. The precision and accuracy of this balance is one of its greatest advantages.
Chemical balance: this equipment is one that is associated with beam balance and tends to work on the principle of EMFR or electromagnetic force restoration. It has various uses. From the pharmaceutical industry and chemical industry to the food industry, a chemical balance has a plethora of uses.
Physical balance: this instrument is specifically utilised to measure the gravitational mass of different substances.
4. What are the precautionary measures to be kept in mind while using analytical balances?
There are certain precautionary measures that are always to be noted while using or handling an analytical balance. They are as follows:
Keep the balance calibrated: This is one of the most important rules to keep in mind. Using the standard calibration procedures, keep the balance calibrated regularly.
Do not touch the weights with bare hands: This is not advisable at all because even the smallest amount of grease can lead to reading errors. Always use a clean pair of gloves while handling heavy weights and wooden or rubber tweezers to avoid any kind of scratching.
Store the weights properly: The storage of weights in the correct manner is extremely imperative. It is important to make sure that the room you’re storing these in is devoid of any moisture, dust, or any types of corrosive gases. And once you’re done using the weights, placing them in a desiccator will be helpful as that will keep them dry.
Make sure the environment is appropriate: When you’re using the weights, make sure you’re doing so in a vibration-free environment where the temperature and humidity are controlled, and that they are not directly exposed to the sunlight.
5. Why is a substance not weighed directly on the chemical balance?
The accuracy and precision of an analytical balance also make it a very vulnerable way of measuring things. Even a single grain mass of a particular chemical substance gets detected on it. This is why a material or substance isn’t directly placed on the pan or even on the weighing paper on the pan. It should always be added to the tared container that holds it, so as to not disturb the reading of the balance. This is also the reason as to why these types of balances aren’t supposed to be handled with bare hands because even the slightest amount of grease or dust could affect the overall reading of it.
