How to Properly Use an Analytical Balance? (2024)

FAQs

What rules should be followed when using a laboratory balance? ›

Typically, analytical balances have a high level of accuracy, with the ability to measure to within 0.1 mg or better. The accuracy of an analytical balance can be affected by various factors such as temperature, air currents, vibrations, and electromagnetic fields.

do not keep the weight balanced in the windy areas as it can affect the readings. Do not weigh a solid directly, use a paper for weighing any solid. do not weigh hot or cold objects on the balance as the readings will be altered due to air buoyancy. Do not open the balance unless it will alter the readings.

Handle with Care: Always handle the balance gently to avoid shocks or impacts that could disrupt its calibration. Safe Storage: Store the balance in a clean, dry area with controlled temperature and humidity levels. Protect it from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and chemicals that may cause corrosion.

Principle. Analytical balance works on the principle of “magnetic force restoration.” It is an electromagnetic balance that measures the mass of an object using an electromagnet. These balances do not directly measure the mass; rather, they measure the force that acts in the downwards direction on the balancing pan.

Sources of Error

Systemic or external errors arise from drafts, temperature changes, vibration/ movement of the instrument or its environment, and static electricity. Depending on usage, balance calibration may be carried out every few weeks or as frequently as twice during a shift.

Not Easily Portable. This is not a grab-and-go piece of equipment. The analytical balance should remain in a consistent location, avoiding moving or jarring it as much as possible. Movements and vibrations negatively impact the measures without performing the task of recalibrating.

An analytical balance will measure the accuracy of 0.0001 to 0.00001g. If extream accuracy is not important a top-loading balance will work just fine in measuring the accuracy of 0.001g.

How to level the analytical balance? ›

Before weighing anything on the analytical balance you must make sure that it is leveled and zeroed. To check the leveling on the balance, look at the leveling bubble on the floor of the weighing chamber. If it is not centered, center it by turning the leveling screws on the bottom toward the back of the balance.

Due to their high precision and advanced technology, precision and analytical balances are used in laboratories to efficiently perform specific tasks such as weighing test materials and sampling amounts, formulation, density determination, purity analysis, quality control testing and material and conformance testing.

Also, for the greatest accuracy in weighing, it is recommended that the operator be grounded. The standard grounding technique is the use of a wrist strap Thee are worn around the wrist of the operator and connected to a ground (3rd terminal of the power line or directly to a water pipe.

Never put anything back into a reagent bottle.

Once a reagent has passed the mouth of its container, it has passed the point of no return. Always take as little of a chemical as possible. Use only clean, dry spatulas for removing chemicals from bottles. Properly dispose of excess chemicals.

Avoid direct contact with any chemical. Never smell, inhale or taste laboratory chemicals. Always wash hands and arms with soap and water after removing gloves and before leaving the work area. Never eat, drink, chew gum or tobacco, smoke or apply cosmetics in the laboratory.

Analytical balance works on the principle of “magnetic force restoration.” It is an electromagnetic balance that measures the mass of an object using an electromagnet. These balances do not directly measure the mass; rather, they measure the force that acts in the downwards direction on the balancing pan.