Question

State two conditions for a beam balance to be true.

Answer 1

Hint: A beam balance is a device that is used to measure the weights of different objects, it can also be used to compare weights of two different objects. It works on the principle of moments. According to principle of moments the clockwise moments due to standards weights on the right side of the beam balance is equal to the anti-clockwise moment due to weight of the object on the right side of the beam balance.

Complete step by step answer:
A beam balance determines an unknown mass by balancing a known mass.
For a beam balance to be true, there are two major points to be remembered.
1) Both the arms of the beam balance that is the left and the right arm must be of equal lengths.
2) Both the pans or base on which the weights are to be measured must be of equal weight.
Additional Information:
There are many types of balances used nowadays to determine even slightest change in weight like, ultra micro, semi micro , micro, analytical and precision balance.
Different types of balances used in laboratories are, Top Loading balance, analytical balance, portable balances, semi micro balances and micro balances.

Note:
A beam balance is generally used for calibrating the masses in the range between 1kg and 10mg. The precision of the beam balance generally depends on the sharpness of the knife edge and its quality that the pivot is formed of.