The Ohaus balance is a weight measuring instrument for measuring the mass of an object with an accuracy of up to 0.01 grams. By comparing the object being measured with the scales is the working principle of the Ohaus balance.
This measuring instrument has a function to measure the mass of an object with a maximum load capacity of 311 grams and with sufficient detail accuracy, so that the results of the measurement of this tool are more accurate. This type of measuring instrument is commonly used in laboratories and pharmacy because of its accuracy.
In general, the Ohaus balance has several parts. Here are the sections of the Ohaus balance.
1. Calibration Screw
Calibration Screw is a screw that serves to calibrate the balance when not in use. These screws are under the load container.
To calibrate Ohaus balance, the first step is to shift all the left weight earrings towards the lowest point on the scale. Then turn the calibration screw until it reaches the equilibrium point or point 0.
2. Load Container
Load Container is a place to put the object to be measured. This load container is shaped like a metal disc.
3. Measured Object
Measured Object is an object that is used as a measurement.
4. Hundred Scale Shear
Hundred scale shears are ballast earrings that can be shifted in hundreds of scales ranging from 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 grams.
5. Tens Scale Shear
Tens scale shears are ballast earrings that can be shifted in tens scales ranging from 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 grams.
6. Unit Scale Shear
Scale shear units are ballast earrings that can be shifted on a unit scale starting from 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Each value consists of 10 scales where each scale is the same with 1 gram.
7. Zero Points
Zero point or equilibrium line is part of the thirst balance which is used to determine the equilibrium point.
How to Use the Ohaus Balance
The working principle of the Ohaus balance, technically, is to compare the mass of the object to be measured with the weights of the balance. The measuring ability of the balance can be changed by shifting the weights according to need. The balance weights can be shifted toward or away from the balance axis.
To find out the mass of the object, the first addition of each weight position along the arm is done after the balance is balanced.
To use the balance, you can follow these steps.
- Calibrate the Ohaus balance first.
- Place the object which mass is to be measured on top of the load container.
- Slide the ballast arm earrings starting from the ballast arm earrings that have the largest scale until the equilibrium point is reached.
- If the equilibrium point has not been reached, slide the ballast arm earrings that have a smaller scale until they reach the equilibrium point.
- Do the same for the weighted arm earrings that have the next smaller scale if the equilibrium point has not been reached.
- If the equilibrium point has been reached, read the measurement results from the Ohaus balance. The result of the measurement is the sum of the numbers shown for each weighted arm earring.
The accuracy of the balance is determined from the smallest scale contained in the balance sheet. For example, on a three-arm balance that has the smallest scale of 0.1 grams. So the accuracy of the balance is 0.01 grams.
Those are the parts of the Ohaus balance in general. Different types of Ohaus balance also has different parts that are on the balance.