How to Use an Analytical Balance

BioNetwork
1 Sept 201703:51
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThis video script offers a detailed guide on using an analytical balance in biotech labs for precise measurements up to 0.0001 grams. It emphasizes the importance of a steady surface, avoiding air currents, and proper balance leveling. The script demonstrates measuring light substances like sodium bicarbonate on weighing paper and heavier ones like Tris buffer in a weigh boat, highlighting the need for documentation. It concludes with cleaning procedures and resources for further learning in life sciences.

Takeaways
  • 🔬 Analytical balances are essential in biotech labs for precise measurements to four decimal places.
  • 📏 A paperclip weighs about one gram, indicating the balance's sensitivity and its unsuitability for heavy items.
  • 🚫 The balance has a maximum weight limit of 310 grams, exceeding which can cause damage.
  • 🏗️ The balance must be placed on a steady surface like a marble counter or lab bench to minimize vibrations.
  • 🚫 Avoid using the balance near doorways or air vents due to its sensitivity to air currents.
  • 🔧 Ensure the balance is level by adjusting its feet until the air bubble is within the black ring.
  • ⏱️ Allow the balance to warm up and reach the required operating temperature if it has been unplugged or turned off.
  • 📄 Use weighing paper for items less than 5 grams and follow specific folding and placement instructions.
  • 📊 Press the tare button to zero out the weight of the weighing paper before adding substances.
  • 🧪 Use a lab scoop to add substances to the paper until the desired weight is reached, then close the doors for an accurate reading.
  • 📝 Always document your measurements and procedures in a lab notebook for record-keeping.
  • 🧼 Regular cleaning of the balance is crucial, especially at the end of the day, to maintain its accuracy and functionality.
  • 🛠️ To clean, put the balance into standby mode or unplug it, remove the weigh pan, and use a soft brush to clean the chamber and grooves.
  • 📚 For further learning, visit nccommunitycolleges.edu or ncbionetwork.org to find life science courses.
Q & A

  • What is an analytical balance used for in biotech laboratories?

    -An analytical balance is used for taking very precise measurements, accurate to four places to the right of the decimal point.

  • Why is a paperclip a reference point for the sensitivity of an analytical balance?

    -A small paperclip weighs about one gram, which illustrates the balance's sensitivity, as it is not designed for weighing heavy items.

  • What is the maximum weight an analytical balance can handle according to the script?

    -The balance mentioned in the script has a maximum weight capacity of 310 grams.

  • Why should the analytical balance not be placed near doorways or air vents?

    -The balance is sensitive enough to be affected by air currents, which can interfere with accurate measurements.

  • How can you ensure the balance is level before use?

    -You should check if the balance is level by adjusting the feet until the air bubble is inside the black ring.

  • What should be done if the balance has been unplugged or turned off?

    -You need to let the balance warm up and reach the required operating temperature before use.

  • Why is weighing paper used for measuring less than 5 grams?

    -Weighing paper is used for measuring small quantities because it minimizes the risk of contamination and provides a stable platform for the substance.

  • How should you prepare the weighing paper before placing it on the balance pan?

    -You should fold the opposite corners of the weighing paper together and make a crease, then do the same for the other corners.

  • What is the purpose of pressing the tare button?

    -Pressing the tare button zeros out the weight of the weighing paper or container, allowing for an accurate measurement of the substance added.

  • Why is it important to document work in a lab notebook?

    -Documenting work in a lab notebook ensures that all measurements and procedures are recorded accurately, which is crucial for reproducibility and analysis of experiments.

  • What steps should be taken to clean the analytical balance at the end of the day?

    -To clean the balance, put it into standby mode or unplug it, remove the weigh pan and components, use a soft bristle paintbrush to sweep off any powder, and then replace the drip ring and weigh pan.

Outlines
00:00
🔬 Precision Weighing with an Analytical Balance

The script introduces the analytical balance, a crucial piece of equipment in biotech labs for precise measurements up to four decimal places. It highlights the balance's limitations, such as a 310-gram maximum capacity, and emphasizes the need for a steady surface to minimize vibrations and avoid placement near air currents. The balance must be leveled and warmed up before use. The process of measuring substances like sodium bicarbonate on weighing paper and powdered Tris buffer in a weigh boat is detailed, including steps like taring, adding substances, and reading the balance. The importance of documenting measurements and cleaning the balance with a soft brush before storage is also discussed.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Analytical Balance
An analytical balance is a highly precise instrument used for measuring the mass of objects to a high degree of accuracy, typically to four decimal places. It is a crucial piece of equipment in biotech laboratories where exact measurements are required for scientific experiments. In the video, it is used to weigh out specific amounts of substances like sodium bicarbonate and powdered Tris buffer, illustrating its importance in the precision required for laboratory work.
💡Precision Measurement
Precision measurement refers to the accurate determination of quantities such as mass, length, or time to a high degree of exactness. In the context of the video, precision measurement is essential for scientific experiments, as it ensures the correct amounts of reagents are used. The analytical balance allows for precision measurements to four places right of the decimal point, which is critical for the accuracy of lab results.
💡Maximum Weight Capacity
The maximum weight capacity is the upper limit of mass that a weighing instrument can accurately measure. For the analytical balance in the video, this capacity is 310 grams, which is highlighted as a limitation to prevent damage to the equipment. This concept is important as it guides users on the appropriate use of the balance and the types of items it can weigh.
💡Workspace Selection
Workspace selection is the process of choosing an appropriate area to perform a task, in this case, using an analytical balance. The video emphasizes the need for a steady surface like a marble counter or lab workbench to minimize vibrations that could affect the balance's accuracy. This keyword is central to the video's theme as it sets the foundation for accurate measurements by ensuring a stable environment.
💡Leveling the Balance
Leveling the balance is the process of adjusting the balance's feet so that it is perfectly horizontal, which is essential for accurate measurements. The video mentions using an air bubble inside a black ring as a visual guide to achieve levelness. This step is crucial as it ensures the balance's readings are not skewed by an uneven surface.
💡Warming Up the Balance
Warming up the balance refers to allowing the instrument to reach its required operating temperature after being unplugged or turned off. This is important because the balance's performance can be affected by temperature changes. In the video, it is mentioned as a necessary step before starting any measurements, highlighting the need for proper calibration and preparation.
💡Weighing Paper
Weighing paper is a type of paper used in laboratories for handling and weighing small quantities of substances. In the video, it is used to measure out 1.5 grams of sodium bicarbonate. The paper is folded to create a small container, and the substance is added until the balance reads the desired weight. This keyword is significant as it demonstrates a common technique for handling small amounts of material in a lab setting.
💡Tare Button
The tare button on a balance is used to zero the scale so that the weight of the container is not included in the measurement. In the video, pressing the tare button is shown as a step to ensure that only the weight of the sodium bicarbonate is measured after the weighing paper is placed on the balance pan. This feature is vital for obtaining accurate measurements of the substance alone.
💡Weigh Boat
A weigh boat is a small container, often made of glass or plastic, used for weighing heavier or bulkier substances in a laboratory. In the video, a weigh boat is used to measure out 12.19 grams of powdered Tris buffer, which is heavier than what would typically be measured on weighing paper. The use of a weigh boat is significant as it shows the adaptability of weighing techniques based on the nature and weight of the substance being measured.
💡Documentation
Documentation in a laboratory setting refers to the practice of recording all experimental procedures, measurements, and results in a lab notebook. The video emphasizes the importance of documenting the weight of the substances measured, such as 1.5026 grams of sodium bicarbonate. This keyword is central to the video's message as it underscores the necessity of maintaining a clear and accurate record for reproducibility and verification of scientific work.
💡Cleaning the Balance
Cleaning the balance is a crucial maintenance step to ensure the accuracy and longevity of the instrument. The video describes putting the balance into standby mode or unplugging it before cleaning, and using a soft bristle paintbrush to remove any residue from the weigh chamber and glass doors. This keyword is important as it demonstrates proper care and upkeep of laboratory equipment, which is essential for reliable measurements.
💡Lab Notebook
A lab notebook is a record-keeping tool used by scientists and researchers to document their work, including experiments, observations, and data. In the video, it is mentioned as a place to document the work done with the analytical balance, such as the weights of substances measured. The lab notebook is a key concept as it is a fundamental part of scientific practice, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and accountability in research.
Highlights

Analytical balance is a crucial piece of equipment in biotech labs for precise measurements.

Balances can measure up to four decimal places, highlighting their precision.

A paperclip weighs approximately one gram, indicating the balance's sensitivity.

Balances are not designed for heavy items, with a maximum weight limit of 310 grams.

Workspace selection is critical for minimizing vibrations affecting balance readings.

Balances should not be used near doorways or air vents due to sensitivity to air currents.

Checking and adjusting the balance level is essential for accurate measurements.

Warming up the balance is necessary after unplugging or turning it off.

Weighing paper is used for items less than 5 grams, like sodium bicarbonate.

Tare button is used to zero out the weight of the weighing paper.

Lab scoops are used to add substances to the weighing paper incrementally.

Glass doors should be closed before the balance locks in the reading.

Documenting work in a lab notebook is an important practice.

Weigh boats are used for heavier items, such as 12.19 grams of powdered Tris buffer.

Measurement precision should be within plus or minus 0.02 grams.

Cleaning the balance is crucial, especially at the end of the day.

Standby mode or unplugging the balance before cleaning is recommended.

A soft bristle paintbrush is used to clean the weigh chamber and glass door grooves.

Replacing the drip ring and weigh pan is the final step in cleaning the balance.

Hands-on practice with an analytical balance is encouraged for lab technicians.

Resources for life science courses and networks are available online.

Transcripts

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Analytical BalanceLab EquipmentPrecision WeighingSodium BicarbonateTris BufferLab ProtocolsEquipment CareMeasurement AccuracyLab SafetyBiotech Tutorial