Definition

1. Noun:
   • A precision weighing instrument: An "electronic balance" is a device used to measure the mass of an object with high accuracy. It operates by generating an electrical signal proportional to the weight placed on its weighing pan.
   • A modern weighing device: It represents a type of balance that uses electronic components, such as a load cell and a digital display, as opposed to traditional mechanical balances that use physical beams and counterweights.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The chemist used an electronic balance to measure exactly 2.5 grams of the compound.
  • For this experiment, you must weigh the sample on a calibrated electronic balance.
  • The electronic balance displayed the weight instantly on its digital screen.

Advanced Usage

• "Tare function on an electronic balance": This refers to the feature that allows the user to reset the display to zero with a container on the pan, so only the weight of the added contents is measured.
  • Place the beaker on the pan and press 'Tare' to zero the electronic balance before adding the powder.

Variants and Related Words

• Analytical balance (n): A very high-precision type of electronic balance, often enclosed in a draft shield, used for extremely accurate measurements, typically in laboratory settings.
  • The sample was weighed to four decimal places using an analytical balance.
• Digital scale (n): A broader term that can include electronic balances as well as other types of digital weighing devices for various purposes (e.g., kitchen scales, bathroom scales).
  • The postal worker used a digital scale to determine the postage.

Synonyms

• Digital balance: A balance that provides a numerical, digital readout of the weight.
• Precision scale: A scale designed for accurate and precise measurement.

Related Phrases

• To calibrate an electronic balance: The process of adjusting the balance using known standard weights to ensure its measurements are accurate.
  • The laboratory technician must calibrate the electronic balance monthly.
• The readout of an electronic balance: The numerical value shown on the display.
  • Record the readout of the electronic balance in your lab notebook.

Noun

1. a balance that generates a current proportional to the displacement of the pan