What is an Analytical Balance?
An analytical balance is classed as a precision weighing instrument that offers readabilities of 1 mg (0.001 g) or better. These balances are common in most chemical, biological, and materials science laboratories.
What is an Analytical Balance Used for?
An analytical balance is used across a wide range of scientific applications including:
- Preparation of samples for chemical analysis techniques
- Determining the progress of a reaction
- Determining the yield of a reaction
- Development of new formulations
- Quality control processes
- Characterization of materials
Features of an Analytical Balance
The most important features of any analytical balance are:
Readability
Also known as the resolution or the minimum displayed value, this is typically either 1 mg (3 d.p. - 0.001 g) or 0.1 mg (4 d.p. - 0.0001 g).
Maximum Capacity
This is the maximum sample weight that can be placed onto the scale and it usually ranges from 100 g to over 1kg.
Accuracy and Linearity
The accuracy and linearity are closely related, most scales quote accuracies down to the resolution however the accuracy across the full measurement scale is given by the linearity which can be less.
Calibration Type
Analytical balances can be equipped with an internal calibration weight allowing for automated frequent calibration of the system. Others may only do external calibration where an external reference must be calibrated against.
Draft Shield
This protects the weighing pan from air currents and environmental disturbances which can impact the accuracy of measurements.
Factors that Impact Analytical Balance Performance
There are several factors that can impact your measurements, these include the following:
- Temperature: Fluctuations in temperature can cause air currents and affect the balance's internal components. In addition, calibration of the equipment is done at a set temperature, the behaviour of the electronic systems will vary as a function of temperature and may cause drift from calibration.
- Vibration: External vibrations from equipment, foot traffic, or building movement can disrupt the balance's performance. Systems can come equipped with vibration dampening components such as heavy cast iron bases, or rubber feet. An external anti-vibration table can be purchased. This could be either a heavy granite slab or an air cushioned table.
- Air currents: Drafts from air conditioning, doors, or windows can affect the stability of the weighing pan the placement of the balance away from any of these sources is critical. You should always use the draft shield when weighing samples, and allow enough time for air currents in the chamber to stabilise before taking a reading.
- Static electricity: Samples, containers, or the user's body can carry static charges that interfere with accurate measurements. Use electrostatic discharge protection, such as grounding mats or ionizers, to minimize these effects.
Analytical Balance
Learn More
We used pre-trained AI to help us write this page. As part of our editorial process, our in-house experts review, fact-check, and edit all AI-generated content to make sure we provide you with accurate and helpful information.