A balance scale is a weight or mass measurement tool that is useful in multiple practices including banking, mail delivery and science. Its main function is to help determine value and costs of goods and services in the marketplace.

How It Works

A balance scale works by placing an unknown weight on one side of the scale while using a known weight on the other side. Balancing the angle of slope between the two weights calculates the precise weight of the unknown object.

Banking

Bankers can weigh and value gold, silver and other precious metals with a balance scale. For example, a customer with a collection of gold coins can determine their worth by using a balance scale at a bank. However, highly precise digital weight measurement devices are more common for this use today.

Science Example

When measuring the mass of one object, such as a salt crystal, in a school or professional science experiment, place the object on one side of the balance scale and a labeled set of various weights on the opposite side to show the difference in mass between the object and the weights. Add or remove weights until the scale balances and you have the object's correct weight.

Mail Delivery

When determining shipping costs, a postal service company can use a balance scale to weigh a package or letter. The heavier the object is, the higher its delivery cost is.

As a Symbol

Even if not used to measure the weight of objects, a balance scale universally symbolizes justice or equality in legal matters. Lawyers may have a balance scale in their office to communicate to clients that they work to ensure equal protection under the law.

Source:

Precision Weighing Balances

Tutor Vista