How To Use A Laboratory Balance

GENETICS 214
INTRODUCTORY MOLECULAR GENETICS

HOW TO USE A BALANCE
BACKGROUND: Measuring Mass

Measurements of mass are usually carried out less frequently than measurements of volume in a molecular
biology laboratory. However, there will be situations where you will be required to weigh a specified amount of
material accurately. Laboratory balances measure the mass of an object, in the laboratory they are used to
measure solids, liquids and tissue. Some examples of laboratory balances include the top-pan balance,
analytical balance (a.k.a. precision balance), micro and semi-micro balances. These balances can measure a
variety of substances from a single grain of a chemical solid using a micro balance to the weight of a large
beaker on a top-pan balance.
Different Types of balances

• Micro balance
The micro balance is used for weighing the smallest amounts and is used for high precision
weighing. These balances are very sensitive. This balance typically has a readability of 0.01 mg or
0.00001 g (readouts of 6 digits) and is normally used for weighing quantities of less than 0.1 g. Micro
balances are enclosed in a see-through casing with doors, so dust does not collect and air currents in
the room do not affect the delicate balance (Figure 1-A).
• Analytical balance
Analytical balances (Figure 1-B) are completely enclosed to ensure the most accurate measurements.
These balances typically have a readability of 0.1 mg – 0.001 mg. These will weigh to an accuracy of ±
0.1 mg and must be used whenever you desire four or more significant figure accuracy. Analytical
balances, like micro balances, are inside a see-through enclosure with doors so dust does not collect
and air currents in the room do not affect the balance.
• Top-pan balance
They offer less readability than an analytical balance but allow measurements to be made quickly thus
making it a more convenient choice when exact measurements are not needed. These typically
measures to the nearest 0.1 - 0.01 g but tends to have a higher capacity. It is often used for
applications such as preparing large quantities of reagents and weighing bulk samples (Figure 1-C).
Like the analytical balance, top-pan balances are available with different maximum capacities, normally
of between 1 and 30 kg. A top-pan balance is not usually enclosed. It is normally open to the
environment of the laboratory, so the effect of draughts and air currents needs to be considered,
especially when weighing relatively small amounts of material. However, some are supplied with a
removable draft shield (Figure 1-D)
A B C D
Figure 1: Different types of balances.
Which Balance to use - Selecting a suitable balance

The choice of balance will depend on the accuracy you need in the experiment and the amount of material that
you need to weigh. You will therefore need to consider both the readability and the capacity of the balances
available in your laboratory. Never use the analytical balance if the top-pan balance will do.
If you need to weigh to the nearest milligram (± 0.001 g) or to the tenth of a milligram (± 0.0001 g), then use
the analytical balance, otherwise, use the top-pan balance. The capacity of the balance is also important, for
example, when weighing a mass of 2 kg it is better to use a balance with a maximum capacity of 5 kg than a
balance with a capacity of 50 kg.
Selecting a suitable container to use on a balance

When weighing out a substance you should always use a suitable container. The empty container should be
clean, dry, and free from dust. It also helps if the container is of a design that assists transfer of the weighed
substance into the vessel or apparatus subsequently required for the analysis. Remember that the size and
mass of the container, in relation to the amount of material that will be weighed out, also needs to be
considered. For example, if you needed to weigh 1 g of material you should use a small weighing boat or
weighing paper rather than a beaker, which may weigh 50 to 100 g. Table 1 summarises types of containers
that can be used for weighing different substances.
Substance Type of container
Solid substance Weighing paper & Weighing boat (small quantities)
Beakers, flasks, or bottles (large quantities)
Liquids 1.5- or 2-mL Eppendorf tubes (small volumes)

Beakers, flasks, or bottles (large volumes)
Table 1: Containers and types of substance to be weighed
How to weigh a substance using a Top-pan Balance

To help ensure accuracy balances must be level, on a solid work area and in a draft-free location away from
sources of electromagnetic radiation. If the balance is moved, it may require recalibration so select a
“permanent” location if possible. To check the levelling on the balance, look at the levelling bubble on the floor
of the weighing chamber. If it is not cantered, centre it by turning the levelling screws on the bottom toward the
back of the balance.
Operation Action
Setting up the balance. Check the balance is level and adjust if necessary.
Check that the balance pan is clean from dust or loose particulate matter.
Connect the balance to the power supply and wait at least 20 min before use to
allow the balance to warm up (series of internal checks).
Once warm up is complete the display panel indicates that the unit is in the
standby mode.
When you are ready to start weighing. When the display indicates zero weight the balance is ready for use.
Weighing Operations Open the lid of the draft shield (if available) and place the empty weigh boat on
the centre of the balance pan and wait a few seconds until the unit stabilizes.
Press the tare/clear button, wait until the reading to stabilize and the display
reads 0.0 g of 0.00g.
Carefully add the substance being weighed to the centre of the weigh boat, until
the display shows the desired weight, close the enclosure lid, and wait until the
scale stabilizes.
If you overshoot the weight, remove excess. NEVER throw it back into the
original chemical container. Discard appropriately.
Record the reading. This is the mass of the substance in the weigh boat.
When weighing is Complete. Once you have finished the weighing process, gently clean the balance pan and
with a brush.
Remove spilled materials from the weighing area and around the balance and
discard.
Replace the lid of the draft shield and return the balance to the standby mode.
Safety Considerations When Using a Laboratory Balance
Do Don’t
Do not handle objects to be weighed with bare hands.
Wear gloves or use paper towels when handling objects to be
Moisture, grease, and dirt on your fingers will affect the
weighed.
weight of the objects.
Check the balance is switched on. If not, switch it on, leave to Use a balance that has not had time to warm- up.
warm-up for 20 min.
Ensure that the balance is level. The bubble in the Level Use a balance that is not level.
Indicator must be centralized while the balance is “OFF”.
Clean the balance pan and surrounding area before and Use a balance that has dust or loose particles on or
after use. around the balance pan and leave the balance dirty.
Use a suitable container to weigh. Never weigh chemicals directly on the balance pan. Use
containers such as beakers, flasks, weighing paper and
weighing boats.
Check the maximum capacity for the balance. Never overload the balance.
Close the doors (if working with a micro or analytical balance) Take readings without closing the balance doors and
and let the reading stabilise before recording it. waiting for the balance to stabilise.
Leave the balance in stand-by mode. Switch off the balance.
a
c)
)

How To Use A Laboratory Balance

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

How To Use A Laboratory Balance

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

How To Use A Laboratory Balance

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

GENETICS 214

INTRODUCTORY MOLECULAR GENETICS

BACKGROUND: Measuring Mass

Different Types of balances

Figure 1: Different types of balances.

Which Balance to use - Selecting a suitable balance

Selecting a suitable container to use on a balance

Liquids 1.5- or 2-mL Eppendorf tubes (small volumes)

Table 1: Containers and types of substance to be weighed

How to weigh a substance using a Top-pan Balance

You might also like