Answer :
Final answer:
Beam balances measure mass by comparing against known weights and typically have a precision up to the nearest tenth of a gram, while electronic balances use electrical signals to provide more precise measurements up to the nearest thousandth of a gram.
Explanation:
The difference between a beam balance and an electronic balance lies in their mechanisms and precision. A beam balance, such as a double-pan mechanical balance, measures mass by comparing the mass of an object against a set of known masses. You place the object on one pan, and on the other pan, you balance it with known weights until the beam connecting the two pans is horizontal, indicating that the masses are equal.
These types of balances usually measure up to the nearest tenth of a gram. On the other hand, electronic balances function by using electrical signals to measure the weight of an object and convert it into mass. Many digital scales are capable of measuring mass with higher precision, up to the nearest thousandth of a gram.
Electronic balances are now more common in scientific settings due to their ease of use and higher degree of accuracy and precision. An electronic balance does not require manual addition of weights and provides a direct digital readout of mass.
In contrast, beam balances may require careful placement and adjustment of weights, which can be more time-consuming and prone to human error. The increased precision of electronic balances over mechanical ones has led to their widespread adoption in various fields requiring precise measurement.
