What is the difference between an analytical balance and a precision balance?

An analytical balance provides readability of 0.1 mg or better, while a precision balance typically reads to 0.001 g or 0.01 g. Analytical balances include draft shields and are designed for highly sensitive measurements. Precision balances handle larger samples and are less affected by environmental conditions.

What readability do I need for my lab application?

You need a readability that is at least one-tenth of your smallest sample weight or required measurement increment. For example, measuring 100 mg samples may require 0.01 mg readability, while gram-level work may only need 0.01 g. Selecting higher readability than necessary increases cost without improving results.

Do lab balances need to be calibrated?

Yes, all lab balances require regular calibration to maintain accuracy. Calibration ensures measurements remain traceable to certified standards. Internal calibration simplifies this process by automating adjustments, while external calibration requires manual verification with certified weights. In regulated environments, calibration records must be documented and retained.

What is the difference between readability and repeatability?

Readability is the smallest increment of weight a balance will display. Repeatability is the degree of agreement between multiple measurements of the same mass, on the same balance, under the same conditions.

What is the best way to clean my balance to ensure accurate readings?

Inspect and clean before each use. A flannel cloth or soft brush works well for dusting and light cleaning. Use a non-abrasive cleaner for light spills, and a dry flannel cloth for glass parts. Set a regular maintenance schedule for deep cleaning to ensure optimal performance and instrument longevity.

Can vibration affect the accuracy of my balance?

Yes — even slight vibration from a heavy footstep can affect accuracy. Place the balance on a sturdy benchtop away from high-traffic areas such as hallways, elevators, stairways, and doors. If that placement is not possible, an anti-vibration table should be considered.

Light Up Your Holiday Party with Some Holiday Facts

Cole-Parmer provides a library of useful scientific information in our Technical Library. But some information, the kind of trivia that will help you stand out at holiday parties with friends and family, simply isn’t in our Technical Library. Following are a few scientific and holiday-themed factoids you can use this year to amaze those at your holiday gatherings.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
©James G. Howes

Each year, Rockefeller Center in New York City brings in a giant Christmas tree. The lighting of the tree is a major event. This year, the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center holds special meaning as it survived Hurricane Sandy and has became a symbol of strength.

The Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center is a Norway Spruce (Picea abies), which is native to Europe. The tallest measured Norway Spruce is 207-ft tall and lives in Perucica Virgin Forest, Sutjeska National Park, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In 1973, the tree used this year in Rockefeller Center New York measured 22-feet tall. How tall is the tree today? (Answers at end of post)

A. 50 feet
B. 80 feet
C. 100 feet
D. 125 feet

Bonus math question – Based on its current height, approximately how many feet did the tree grow per year?

The giant Spruce tree in Rockefeller Center was lit on November 28. The tree uses electric lights, but electric lights didn’t always light Christmas trees. Candles were once used, but that was obviously very dangerous. The first useful light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison in 1879 and shortly thereafter in 1882, Edward Johnson, an associate of Edison’s lit a Christmas tree for the first time using electric lights.

Approximately how many lights are used on the 2012 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree? (Answers at end of post)

A. 3,000 lights
B. 10,000 lights
C. 30,000 lights
D. 80,000 lights

After the tree comes down in Rockefeller Center on January 7, the tree will be used as lumber for Habitat for Humanity.

We at Cole-Parmer hope you enjoy reading our blog and welcome your comments and article suggestions for the New Year. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Answers:

The Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center New York is 80-feet tall today. Bonus question, it grew approximately 1.4 feet per year over a span of 39 years from 1973 to 2012.

Approximately 30,000 lights adorn the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

Light Up Your Holiday Party with Some Holiday Facts

Be the first to comment on "Light Up Your Holiday Party with Some Holiday Facts"

Leave a comment Cancel reply