unequal-arm balance![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Scale used for weighing loads that has a beam with arms of different lengths; the shorter arm supports the pan and the longer arm supports the weights that slide to attain a balance.
pan ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Flat rigid stand on which the body to be weighed is placed.
rear beam ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Rigid metal bar along which the sliding weight slides to provide a relatively precise reading of the mass.
front beam ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Rigid metal bar along which the sliding weight slides to provide a very precise reading of the mass.
base ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Support that provides stability to the scale.
pan hook ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Curved part from which the pan is hung by means of rods.
vernier ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Small graduated dial that slides along the beams and provides a very precise reading of the mass.
graduated scale ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
The divisions of equal length marked on the scale’s beam that constitute the units of measurement.
magnetic damping system ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Device made up of magnets that reduce the beams’ oscillations when the weights are moved to provide a quick reading of the mass.
notch ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Groove in which a sliding weight catches so that a precise reading on the graduated scale can be taken.
sliding weight ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Sliding part that is moved along the beams until a balance between the two masses is attained.