What is mass ?
which instrument is used to measure mass ?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Mass is the amount of matter contained in an object. It is a fundamental property that measures how much substance an object has, regardless of its shape or size. Mass is different from weight because mass remains constant no matter where the object is, while weight depends on the force of gravity acting on the object. Mass is usually measured in units such as grams, kilograms, or pounds.
The instrument used to measure mass is called a balance or a scale. A balance compares an unknown mass with a known mass to determine the mass of the object. There are different types of balances including the beam balance, electronic balance, and spring scale. The most accurate and commonly used instrument in laboratories is the electronic balance. It provides precise readings of mass by measuring the force needed to counterbalance the object placed on it.
Understanding mass is important because it helps in many fields like physics, chemistry, and engineering. In physics, mass plays a key role in Newton’s laws of motion and in calculating momentum and energy. In chemistry, mass is essential when measuring substances for reactions to ensure correct proportions. Engineers use mass to calculate loads and design structures safely.
Mass is a scalar quantity, meaning it has magnitude but no direction. It does not change with location, unlike weight which varies depending on gravitational pull. For example, an object will have the same mass on the Earth as it does on the Moon, but its weight will be less on the Moon due to weaker gravity.
In summary, mass is a measure of how much matter an object contains, and it is measured using instruments called balances or scales. Mass is a constant property that is crucial for scientific measurements and calculations across many disciplines.