Calculating the mass of an object is a necessary operation in many scientific experiments and mathematical problems. Without the help of a guide this calculation may seem impossible, but with the simple steps outlined below it will be as easy as memorizing pi.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using a Triple-Beam Scale (Three-Arm)
Step 1. Prepare the scale
Make sure the dish you are placing the item in is clean and dry.
Step 2. Tare the scale
Bring all the sliding weights to zero, then turn the adjustment knob located on the left, under the scale plate. The bar supporting the three arms should move freely. Continue to turn the knob in both directions until the white line of the balance indicator, marked on the right of the arms, coincides with the zero positioned on the support to the right of the scale.
Step 3. Place the object on the plate
Be careful not to affect the weight of the object with your hand or other objects.
Step 4. Move the weights
Slide the weights left and right on the graduated scales until the two white lines on the right are aligned again. The most efficient way to do this is to make a rough estimate of the mass value, and then move the weight from the highest value to a point on the scale that you think will mark a lower value than the actual mass value. Move this weight until the white line is just below zero. Then continue sliding the smaller weights on the other scales progressively to gradually get closer to the actual mass value.
Step 5. Read the mass
Add the measurements marked by each weight, the total will represent the mass of the object.
Method 2 of 2: Using Density and Volume
Step 1. Know the equation
The equation that relates mass, density and volume is D = m / v or density is equal to mass divided by volume.
Step 2. Substitute your values in the equation
If the density of your object is 500 kg / m3 (kilograms per cubic meter), you will enter 500 instead of D. to get 500 = m / v. If your volume is 10m3 (cubic meters), you will enter 10 instead of v to get 500 = m / 10.
Step 3. Isolate the variable
Since you are calculating mass, the variable in this equation is m; we want this value to appear on its own and on one side of the equal sign (=). In this equation, the m it is in a division with another value, that of the volume. To isolate it, it is necessary to multiply both sides of the equation for the volume value. Thus, the equation becomes (500) 10 = (m / 10) 10.
To isolate a variable, you must always use the opposite math function on both sides of the equation. If the variable looks like an addend in an addition, just subtract the other addend from both sides, etc
Step 4. Simplify
On the left side of the equation we multiply 500 x 10, the result is 5000. On the right side, however, the two 10's are simplified leaving isolated the m. So, the answer is 5000kg = m.
