Physics Practicals Class 11
Beam Balance – Determination of Mass
- Teach science experiments in a gamified way
- Boost conceptual clarity and knowledge retention
- Aligned with National Education Policy 2020
- Helpful in getting NAAC accreditation
- CBSE, ICSE, and state boards aligned curricula
- Engaging simulations with easy-to-teach instructions
About Simulation
- By engaging in this simulation, you will understand the intricacies of how a physical balance operates, gaining insight into its functionality and purpose.
- Through this experience, you can distinguish between a weight balance and a beam balance, clarifying any confusion and deepening your understanding of these tools' respective uses.
- You will be able to master the proper levelling techniques required for the effective use of a physical balance, ensuring accurate measurements in various settings.
- As you progress through the simulation, you will learn how to determine the mass of an object with precision, honing your skills in measurement and calculation.
- Furthermore, you can explore the fascinating realm of beam balance deflections, uncovering the principles behind this phenomenon and its significance in scientific applications.
Simulation Details
Description
A physical balance is a device that measures the weight of an object by comparing it with a standard weight.
The working of a physical balance is based on the principle of moments. In a balance, the two arms are of equal length and the two pans are also of equal masses. When the pans are empty, the beam remains horizontal on raising the beam base by using the lower knob.
When an object to be weighed is placed in the left pan, the beam turns in the anticlockwise direction. Equilibrium can be obtained by placing suitable known standard weights on the right-hand pan. Since the force arms are equal, the weight on the two pans has to be equal.
A physical balance compares forces. Since the weights are directly proportional to the masses if weighed at the same place, therefore, a physical balance is used for the comparison of gravitational masses. Hence, the weight of body in the left pan is equal to weight of body in right pan.
mg=msg
where, ms is the mass of the body in the left pan
ms is the mass of the body in the right pan
∴m=ms
Thus, the object’s mass in the left pan is equal to the standard mass in the right pan.
Hence, by adding or subtracting standard mass in the right pan, the mass of an object can be determined.
Requirements for this Science Experiment
- Spherical bob
- Wooden block
- Physical balance
- Forceps
- Weight box
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