The scale measures force (which is what we know as weight). Different types of scales work in somewhat different fashions.
Some, like the balance scale that Roberval invented in 1669, work by comparing the objects’ forces against each other. Others, such as digital scales, use devices called load cells that bend slightly when weight is applied.
Definition
A musical scale is a group of pitches arranged in ascending or descending order. Each set of notes creates a distinct interval pattern, giving the scale its particular sound and feeling. For example, music using notes from a major scale can sound happy and uplifting, while music using notes from a minor scale can seem sad and reflective.
Scale is also a ratio used to accurately represent large dimensions on drawings and plans, enabling precise measurement and interpretation. For example, Joe used a scale of 1:190 when preparing the blueprint for his new house. Each yard on the blueprint represented 190 yards in the actual building.
Due to the principle of octave equivalence, the width of each scale step (interval relationship) defines a specific scale. Therefore, scales are typically classified based on their interval patterns, such as pentatonic, diatonic, chromatic, major, and minor. Each of these categories is defined by its own unique interval pattern and tonic note, which is chosen as the beginning of its octave.
Origin
The earliest usage of scale as a noun in English is from the early 1600s, in reference to a ladder for scaling walls in sieges. The related verb is recorded from the mid-14th century. Its origin is probably from Latin scala “ladder,” but the exact origin of the word remains obscure.
The first practical weighing scale was introduced in 1669 by Frenchman Gilles Personne de Roberval. This new type of balance scale used two equal-length arms connected to a vertical column located above the fulcrum, creating a parallelogram with a peg. It balanced no matter where the peg was hung.
A musical scale is any graduated sequence of pitches, tones or intervals that divide what is called an octave. The scale of a melody is usually identified by its characteristic melodic motive. The word scale is also used in a mathematical sense to describe the distance between two points, as measured on a line graph.
Meaning
A scale is a ratio of an actual dimension to its smaller representation on a drawing or model. It is used to accurately represent large dimensions in manageable sizes on drawings and plans, enabling precise measurement and interpretation. Architects use scaled drawings when designing buildings, engineers create scale drawings of machinery and infrastructure components, and cartographers create maps with scales to accurately represent geographical areas.
Musically, a scale is a graduated sequence of notes, tones, or intervals dividing what is called an octave. Based on their interval patterns, scales are grouped into categories including diatonic, pentatonic, chromatic, major, and minor. The scales used by different cultures are often based on differing systems of mathematics. This helps to ensure that the scales function the same way within a culture, despite differences in music-making practices. The scales are also used to produce a variety of modes, or bases for melodic construction. Highly developed systems of scales exist in music traditions such as those of India, China, the Islamic world, and Europe.
Applications
Scaling an application requires technical expertise, strategic planning and ongoing monitoring. By focusing on modularity, horizontal and vertical scalability, scalable technologies, CDN, caching, scalability testing and application security, businesses can build scalable applications that meet the needs of their growing customer base, deliver a high-quality user experience and maintain optimal performance.
Economies of scale allow companies to produce goods at lower per-unit costs than smaller competitors. This can lead to increased profits or lower prices for consumers.
Musicians use scales to recognize melodic and harmonic patterns that can guide or limit their compositions. Mastering scales is an important part of musical training.
Embracing the crosscutting concept of scale, proportion and quantity helps students develop important scientific skills. It also helps them connect mathematical concepts with disciplinary core ideas and science and engineering practices. Scale is also a critical component of Next Generation Science Standards. Here’s how.