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MASS

Mass is the amount of matter in an object. There are different kinds of balances used to measure
mass. Be sure you understand how your balance works. Some balances give a single
reading.Others give two or more readings that you have to add together. For example, look at
the triple-beam balance on the right. Notice that the middle beam measures the largest amounts.
To read the mass of an object, find and record the masses shown on each of the beams. Then add
the readings.
200 g + 70 g + 6.5 g = 276.5 g

How many sacks of grain can a mule carry? The answer depends on the strength of the
mule and the mass of the sacks of grain. Mass is the amount of matter that makes up an object.
The kilogram (kg) is the main unit for mass. The kilogram is used to describe the mass of things
such as sacks of grain. Many everyday objects are not so large, however. The mass of smaller
objects, such as an apple, can be described by using grams (g) or milligrams (mg). One thousand
grams equals 1 kg. The mass of large objects, such as an elephant, is given in metric tons. A
metric ton equals 1,000 kg.
Direct mass measurement Some scales, such as the old beam balance, measure mass
directly by counteracting the downward force by another equal downward force on the opposite
side of the pivot. On a beam balance, you add enough mass to the opposite pan to counterbalance
the unknown mass. No force is measured. This type of scale automatically compensates for
differences in the acceleration of gravity at different locations on earth. If you brought this
type of scale to the moon, you would still get the same answer as on earth. Unfortunately,
this type of scale does not lend itself to automatic operation and is rarely used any more.
Many people say that mass and weight are same but there are different between mass and
weight. MASS is the QUANTITY OF MATTER in an object (its inertia), while WEIGHT is the
FORCE
that presses the object down on a scale due to the acceleration of gravity. The mass of an object
is a fixed quantity; its weight varies as a function of the acceleration of gravity. The mass
properties of an object are related to mass, not weight. Mass properties do not change as a space
vehicle leaves the attraction of the earth and enters outer space. If different names are used for
weight and mass, then the problem of distinguishing between the two is minimized. The Metric
SI system uses the word "Newton" for weight and the word "Kilogram" for mass. The Newton is
defined as the force required to accelerate a 1 Kilogram mass by 1 meter per second2. The
aerospace industry has created a unit of mass called the "Slug." A one pound force is required to
accelerate a one Slug mass at one ft/sec2. If an object weighs 32.17405 lbf on earth, then its mass
is one Slug.

1. The Unit of Mass


In 1901, the 3rd CGPM in Paris established the definition of the unit of mass:
“The Kilogram is the unit of mass; it is equal to the mass of the International Prototype of
the Kilogram.”.
2. Dissemination of the Unit of Mass
While the unit of mass is defined at the one kilogram level, the mass scale must
be realized over a range broad enough to be of practical use in commerce and
manufacturing. The first stage in the realization of the mass scale is to disseminate the
unit from the International Prototype Kilogram to the national standard followed by a
transfer to a set of working standards at the one kilogram level. This is followed by
dissemination to multiples and submultiples of the kilogram covering the range from 1
mg to 27 200 kg.

REFERENCES
Z. J. Jabbour and S. L. Yaniv. The Kilogram and Measurements of Mass and Force. Journal of
Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Volume 106, Number 1

Richard Boynton, President. Precise Measurement of Mass. Space Electronics, Inc., Berlin.
SAWE PAPER No. 3147, Index Category No.8

Mark Fritz. Mass and Weight Measurement

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