What is the name of the mechanical balance that uses three parallel beams and a fulcrum?

• A. Triple Beam Balance
• B. Dial Balance
• C. Mercury Balance
• D. Spring Balance

Answer: (A)

Mass is determined by balancing an unknown mass against known masses until equilibrium is reached. The device that uses three parallel beams with sliding weights is designed so each beam represents a different place value (hundreds, tens, and ones). You place the object on the pan, slide the weights on the three beams until the system is level on the fulcrum, and then add the readings from all three beams to get the total mass in grams. This combination of three distinct, parallel beams working together is what gives it the name triple beam balance. Other types—like a dial balance, a mercury balance, or a spring balance—don’t use three sliding beams, so they measure mass or force in different ways.