Using mass measurement, we can determine the weight of an object. Mass is defined as the force of gravity acting on an object. Mass measurements are done in two ways. One method involves measuring the weight of the object while the other involves measuring the mass of the object under weightless conditions.
Weight measures the force of gravity acting on an object
Whether you use a scale, a balance beam, or a pan balance, you can measure the force of gravity acting on an object. The result is known as weight. Weight can be zero, but an object in space will have more weight than one on Earth. This is a consequence of the fact that an object located on Earth weighs more than one on the Moon.
Weight can be measured in newtons. In the International System of Units, a newton is the basic unit of force. The mass of an object is also measured in newtons.
Weight and mass have different units. Weight can be measured in pounds, kilograms, or newtons. Weight can also be measured using a spring scale or a hydraulic or pneumatic scale. The difference between weight and mass is that mass is a measure of inertia, while weight is a measure of the force of gravity on an object.
Mass is a mathematically calculated quantity that is a measure of the inertia of an object. Mass is also a measure of how much matter is contained in an object.
Instruments used to measure mass
Several instruments are used to measure the mass of an object. These instruments include the beam balance and the weighing machine.
The beam balance is a physical balance that uses a horizontal lever and a moveable counterweight. The counterweight moves along the beam in either direction. The corresponding standard weights are also placed in a pan.
The beam balance compares the mass of an object being measured to that of a known mass. The front-most beam of the scale has graduations for mass between zero and ten grams. The instrument is capable of measuring mass to 0.1 g precision.
The beam balance is also referred to as the apothecary scale or balance beam scale. The front-most pan has a horizontal lever. The standard mass is placed on the left pan and the object to be measured is placed on the right pan. The mass of the container is then subtracted from the mass of the sample.
Methods for mass measurement under weightless conditions
Various methods for mass measurement under weightless conditions have been proposed. The methods vary in their use of physical parameters and their accuracy. They also vary in the length of time that is required to conduct the measurement. Some of the methods use centrifugal pressures to determine the mass of an object. These methods can be used to measure mass of liquids or semi-solids.
A method that uses a prismatic variable stiffness mechanism, with a vibrating actuator, is proposed. This mechanism is then adapted to an anti-resonance condition. The method is based on the principle of action and reaction and the law of conservation of momentum. The method is able to take into account the tare mass and avoids measurement error due to slosh. This method has an ideal linear relationship between the mass of the object and the square of the period of oscillation.
Another method uses an optical interferometer to measure the velocity of the subject. The method can be applied to the Moon and Mars.