The process of mass measurement includes several steps and involves the use of a weighing system. It can also be referred to as gravity reference. Some of the most important factors that affect the measurement of mass are the types of units of mass and the stability of an artifact. There are a number of approaches for measuring the weight of a mass, such as Mechanical electrical and Hydrostatic weighing.
Gravity reference
One of the most important steps in the preparation of a gravity survey is obtaining a reference measurement. A gravity data set derived from satellite or shipboard data is a must for detailed investigations. The best source of such information is the Canadian Gravity Standardization Network (CGSN) and the Canadian Geophysical Data Centre (CGD). In particular, the CGD has a large and venerable database of gravity and ancillary data for several regions. Various types of gravity surveys are performed in both waters and over land. The resulting data sets are not necessarily comparable, and in some cases, dissimilar.
The main goal of the CGD is to improve the quality and reliability of geophysical surveys and associated information and services. An interesting aspect of this project is the interaction of various parties involved in the resulting product.
Hydrostatic weighing system
Hydrostatic weighing, also known as underwater weighing, is one of the most accurate methods of measuring body fat. This method works by applying the Archimedes’ principle: an object displaces its own volume of water.
During hydrostatic weighing, an individual is submerged in a large tank of water. He or she is seated on a scale and slowly lowered into the water. Water conducts electricity well, and the weight of the subject is recorded by computer software.
There are two main types of systems used for underwater weighing: load cell and mechanical scale. Both produce similar reliability SEM values. However, load cells are slightly more precise than mechanical scales, and thus they produce more accurate results.
The BOD POD Body Composition System is a reliable and accurate method for determining body fat. In a 68-subject study, it produced an average CV of 0.026% over two days.
Mechanical electrical measurement approach
There are a few electrical measurement techniques that are capable of measuring mechanical quantities. These include the multimeter, the LCR meter, the ohmmeter and the capacitance meter. Using these methods you can measure the mass to charge ratio, deformation, vibration, torque, linear dimension, weight and point pressure.
The aforementioned electrostatic sensing technique is more practical than other measurement methods because it offers non-invasiveness, non-disruptive flow and is capable of providing an accurate reading. A typical RFDA system measures ductility and damping of a material.
Another method of measuring the same thing is to use an optical interferometer. This technique uses the Doppler effect to indirectly measure velocity. An optical interferometer is a special type of instrument which uses a beam of light to perform measurements on solid particles.
Stability of the artifact definition
When measuring mass, artifact definition is critical. It affects science and engineering sectors. For instance, change in the unit of mass directly affects the fundamental constants. And it propagates to derived units. Therefore, a stable artifact definition is necessary for the stability of mass measurement.
The traditional definition of “artifact” is something intentionally made for a purpose. This definition fits well with evidence of sophisticated cognition in non-human animals. But it has some epistemological drawbacks.
To make a difference between artifacts and naturally occurring objects, there are three conditions. These are: a purpose, an intentionality, and function.
There are several accounts of artifact function. Most accounts of artifact function are based on the theory of biological function. However, there is also a significant body of literature on natural kinds.
Common units of mass
Mass is a quantity that represents the amount of matter present in an object. Measurements of this quantity are often expressed in metric units. Among the most common measurements are milligrams, grams and kilograms.
The kilogram is a standard unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI) system. It was originally defined as the mass of one cubic decimeter of water at 4 degrees Celsius. A model of this size was a cube with an edge length of 0.1 meter.
The kilogram was eventually replaced by the International Prototype Kilogram. However, this is not the same as the Kilogram of the Archives, which was a platinum-iridium alloy cylinder that is kept at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the U.S.