Why Do Scientists Use Scales?

Scales provide valuable scientific data.

Scientists use scales to precisely measure the weight of scientific samples. The exact weight of an object can be useful for determining its other properties, including its mass and composition. A series of such measurements can demonstrate how an item changes over time.

History

The weight of an object has long been an important measurement in scientific data. In a famous early physics experiment, Galileo realized two balls of different weights fell at the same speed. Logic of the time held that they should have fallen at different speeds. Since this did not happen, Galileo knew that this widely accepted scientific belief was false.

Weight Classification

In modern times, scientists use precise scales that can measure infinitesimally small differences in weight. They can use this to classify unknown items; a quantity of iron will weigh more than the same amount of magnesium. If an item's makeup is already known, scientists can use its weight to calculate its mass, which is important for many scientific observations.

Other Uses

Scientists use scales to observe changes in a sample. For example, weighing a plant at regular intervals can reveal its growth rate, which in turn can reveal many things about its environment, including soil quality, available sunlight or the presence of drought. On a much smaller scale, scientists can use weight measurements to observe the rate at which a particle decays.

References

• Center for Applied Special Technology: Spring Scales
• Fordham Preparatory School: Measuring Matter; Gregory L. Curran; Feb. 07, 2008
• Science Buddies: Measuring Plant Growth