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.

X-ray Day 115 Years Later: Measuring Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and X-ray Radiation

Radiation Alert Analog Detectors

Did you know Monday, November 8, was X-ray Day? The X-ray was discovered in 1895, purely by accident. Wilhelm Röntgen, a German physicist, was experimenting with electron beams on a gas discharge tube. When the electron beam was on, a nearby fluorescent screen started to glow. Thus began the journey of a technology that is used in dentistry, astronomy, research, and even laser bursts.

Because X-rays pass through muscles and other soft tissue and stop at dense materials, doctors can identify broken bones and cancers growing in the body. Electromagnetic radiation is also used in communication systems and in neutron activation analysis, allowing the identification of elements in a material.

While radiation provides many benefits to the scientific world, high levels of radiation in the environment and in food handling can be hazardous. Cole-Parmer offers Radiation Alert Analog Detectors to monitor radiation. These general-purpose detectors are available with uncompensated halogen-quenched sensors for measuring alpha, beta, gamma, and X-ray radiation; select meters have energy-compensated sensors for increased sensitivity to gamma and X-ray radiation.

All models are factory-calibrated to pulse generator and can be calibrated to ANSI standards by any certified lab. Anti-saturation circuit is good to at least 100 times the maximum reading in the highest range. No special probes are required.

Disclaimer: Cole-Parmer products are not approved or intended for, and should not be used for medical, clinical, surgical or other patient-oriented applications.

X-ray Day 115 Years Later: Measuring Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and X-ray Radiation

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