Measurements of Mass physics full details

Measurement of mass

You must have experienced that a glass filled with milk feels lighter than a jar of milk. This is because the quantity of milk     ( metter ) in  a glass is less than the quantity of milk in a jug. similarly, a bucket fielld with water feels heavier than the same bucket without water. It is because the bucket fielld with water has additional matter ( water ).

Mass is the quantity of matter ( solid, liquid or gas ) contained in a body. In everyday life , we use the term weight inside of mass,  but in physics , mass and weight have different meanings. For example, we generally say that this bag of vegetables weight 6 kg . The scientifically correct expression is ' the mass of the bag is 6kg ' . 

Unit of mass

The standard unit of mass in SI system is kilogram ( kg ). To express the mass of heavier bodies ,we use quintal and metric ton ( or ton ) which are multiples of kilogram. To express the mass of lighter bodies , we use grams and milligrams which are sub multiples of kilograms.

Multiples and submultiple of kilograms        ( kg ).

Instruments used to measure mass

Mass is usually measured by using appropriate balance . The most commonly used is the beam balance. It is a horizontal beam, supported at its centre. Two identical pans of equal weight are suspended at equal distance from the centre of the beam.

The beam should be horizontal when the pen are empty and balanced . The object to be weighed is placed in the left pen and standard weights are placed in the right pen till the beam becomes horizontal. The total of the standard weights placed gives the mass of the object.

Scientists, chemists, pharmacists and goldsmiths use a physical balance to measure very small quantities of chemicals and gold. The physical balance is much more sensitive and accurate than a beam balance.

Nowadays, we often see electronic balances in which the object to be measured is placed on a platform and we get a direct digital display of the mass of the object. They are very accurate and sensitive.

Items solid by mass and by volume

We buy many things to meet our daily needs. Some are bought by mass and sun by volumes.

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