Mass is an intrinsic property of matter and determines various other properties including its mutual gravitational attraction to other bodies, resistance to acceleration due to a force and inertia. Mass can also be used to derive other forms of energy such as kinetic energy through the principle of mass-energy equivalence developed by Einstein.
Units of Measurement
There are different units of measurement used to describe physical quantities. For example, length is measured in metric (International System of Units) or imperial (UK system) units.
The main unit used to measure mass is the kilogram. The kilogram is one of the SI base units and, like other metric unit names, it has prefixes for decimal multiples and submultiples.
Other units of mass are ounces, which is commonly used in English-speaking countries. It is important to be able to differentiate between the different units because they have very different meanings.
Using the metric system is much easier than using the olde fashioned English/Imperial systems. Students should be trained in the metric system so that they can be confident when using it in science and other subjects. They should also be able to understand the differences between metric and imperial measurements so that they can make informed choices when purchasing goods. This will help to reduce the amount of waste that is produced.
Measurement Methods
The measurement of mass is a critical process in various scientific disciplines. Typical laboratory equipment used in this area of study are balances, which rely on the acceleration generated by Earth’s gravity to determine mass. This downward force is counteracted using specific mechanisms, depending on the type of instrument being used.
Although often mistaken for one another, mass and weight are distinct concepts. Mass represents the amount of matter contained within an object, while weight depends on the gravitational pull on that object.
Traditionally, mass was measured using a set of carefully calibrated metal weights. While this method works well in most situations, it has a few inherent limitations. For example, the lightest weights available are only a few milligrams, which is not accurate enough for numerous modern applications such as manufacturing, medical research, pharmaceutical development and space exploration. A new and improved technique for measuring extremely small masses and forces is needed. This is where vibration tube mass sensors come in handy.
Objects of Measurement
Measurement of objects is essential for scientific research, manufacturing processes, and everyday activities. Precise and accurate mass measurements allow scientists to conduct groundbreaking experiments, manufacturers to produce high-quality products, and individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Typically, measurement instruments such as balances and scales are used to determine an object’s mass. These devices compare an unknown to a known object and then use the difference to find the value of the unknown. Different types of balances are available, including beam, spring, and electronic models.
More complex mass measurement tools can be found in industrial environments such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food production. These tools, such as load cells and industrial scales, enable users to weigh raw materials, ingredients, and finished products, allowing companies to meet quality standards, maintain consistency, and ensure product safety. In addition, specialized instruments can be used to measure the mass of larger and heavier objects such as aerospace products and automobiles.
Applications
In everyday life, mass measurement helps to ensure that an object will behave as expected when used. For example, a person’s weight can be measured with spring scales that take the force of gravity (g) into account when displaying readings on the scale.
Another application of mass measurement is in determining the exact molecular weights of sample components through mass spectrometry, which separates molecules into their constituent parts according to their mass-to-charge ratios, thereby yielding an ion spectrum. Computer analysis of this ion spectrum is then performed to identify unknown compounds by correlating their known masses to a set of characteristic fragmentation patterns.
NIST scientists have also pioneered an innovative instrument that self-calibrates mass and force measurements using the radiation pressure that a weak laser beam exerts on a high-reflectivity mirror, thereby avoiding the need for calibration weights and enabling mass and force standards to be portable, accurate, self-contained and SI-traceable. The instrument also acts as a reference laser power meter.