How is a beam balance used to measure mass?

To measure the mass of an object, it is placed on one pan and standard weights are kept on the other pan of the beam balance. The weights are adjusted till the beam is horizontal and the pointer points vertically up. The sum of the masses of the standard weights gives the mass of the object.

Ensure the following points to get the accurate reading of mass :

• Both the arms of the beam balance must be of equal length and both the pans must be of equal mass.
• When both the pans are empty, the beam should be horizontal and the pointer should be vertical.