CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION AND REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Analytical balances are instruments used for precise determining mass of matter.
Analytical balances are sensitive and expensive instruments, and upon their accuracy
and precision the accuracy of analysis result depends. The most widely used type of
analytical balances is balances with a capacity of 100 g and a sensitivity of 0.1 mg. Not
one quantitative chemical analysis is possible without usage of balances, because,
regardless of which analytical method is being used, there is always a need for
weighing a sample for analysis and the necessary quantity of reagents for solution
preparation.
The working part of the balance is enclosed in a glass-fitted case. The baseplate
is usually of black glass or black slate. The beam has agate knife-edges at its extremes,
supporting stirrups from which balance pans are suspended. Another agate or steel
knife-edge is fixed exactly in the middle of the beam on its bottom side. This knife-edge
faces downwards and supports the beam. When not in use and during loading or
unloading of the pans, the balance should be arrested.
The principle of operation of a modern laboratory balance bears some
resemblance to its predecessor - the equal arm balance. The older instrument opposed
the torque exerted by an unknown mass on one side of a pivot to that of an adjustable
known weight on the other side. When the pointer returned to the center position, the
torques must be equal, and the weight was determined by the position of the moving
weights.

Modern electronic laboratory balances work on the principle of magnetic force

restoration. In this system, the force exerted by the object being weighed is lifted by an
electromagnet. A detector measures the current required to oppose the downward
motion of the weight in the magnetic field.
A Presto Cream Vanilla Sandwich Cookies and three (3) one peso, five peso,
and ten peso coins, one is placed at room temperature, one in cold temperature and the
other exposed under direct sunlight
The one peso coin is made up of 75% copper and 25% nickel, while the five peso
coin is made up of 70% copper, 24.5% zinc and 5.5% nickel. On the other hand, the ten
peso coins ring is composed of 75% copper and 255 nickel and its core is composed of
92% copper, 6% aluminum and 2% nickel.
The brand of analytical balance used in this experiment is Shimadzu. The AUW
series and balances feature fully automatic span calibration, an easy-to-use weighing
chamber and level adjustment gauge, and prominent backlit display. They feature a
weighing capacity of 82g at 0.01mg and up to 220g at an accuracy of 0.1mg. A number
of powerful weighing applications, including piece counting, auto print, choice of display
units, and specific gravity measurement, are included. A data capture function sends
weighing data and GLP, GMP and ISO compliant calibration reports to printers or
computers. The high-performance UniBloc measuring cell ensures stable temperature
characteristics, excellent response time, stable corner-load performance, and a long
operational life.

CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

Materials and Equipments

Analytical Balance
Soft cotton cloth
Coupon bond (substance 20, divided into 4 equal parts)
Presto Cream Vanilla Sandwich Cookies
three (3) one peso, five peso, and ten peso coins (one is placed at room
temperature, one in cold temperature and the other exposed under direct
sunlight)

How to Use the Analytical Balance

1. Turn the balance on by pressing the control bar. The display lights up for several
seconds, then resets to 0.0000.
2. Place creased, small weighing paper on the balance pan
3. Close the sliding glass doors. Wait for the green dot on the left to go out. This is
the stability indicator light, indicating that the weight is stable.
4. Press the control bar to cancel out the weight of the container or paper. The
display will again read 0.0000.
5. Carefully add the substance to be weighed up to the desired mass. Do not
attempt to reach a particular mass exactly.
6. Before recording the mass, close the glass doors and wait until the stability
detector lamp goes out. Record mass of solid.

Procedure on Weighing
The analytical balance was turned on by pressing the power button in the control
bar until the display up for several seconds, the resets to 0.0000. A quarter piece of a
bond paper was placed every time when weighing different kinds of objects. The 3
cookies were weighed one by one. Afterwards, coins under room temperature were
weighed one by one followed by those that were exposed to cold temperature and those
that were exposed to sunlight or warm temperature. The sliding glass doors were closed
tightly when weighing.

CHAPTER III
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1. Weight of Presto Cream Vanilla Sandwich Cookies

Cookie
Total Weight-Weight of Coupon Bond
Weight of the Cookie
(g)
(g)
1
11.54 1.26
10.28
2
11.62 1.26
10.36
3
12.11 1.26
10.85
Total
31.49
Average
10.5
The total net weight of Presto Cream Vanilla Sandwich Cookies is 30g as
indicated on its pack. The computed total weight of the cookies weighed in the analytical
balance is 31.49g which is 1.49g higher than the actual net weight of the computed
average of the three cookies is 10.5g.
Table 2. Weight of the Coins under Three Different Temperature
Temperature
One Peso Coin Five Peso Coin Ten Peso Coin
(g)
(g)
(g)
Room
5.419
7.7176
8.6844
Cold
5.3733
7.7452
8.6842
Warm
5.3786
7.7618
8.8378
Average
5.3903
7.74
8.735

Average
(g)
7.2737
7.2676
7.3261

Table 3. Actual Weight of Coins (source: bsp.gov.ph/bspnotes/banknotes_coins.asp)

Peso Coins
Weight (g)
One
6.1
Five
7.7
Ten
8.7

The actual eight of one peso coin is 6.1g. The computed average of three one
peso coins is 5.39g less dense than the actual weight. The weight of the one peso coin
exposed to room temperature is the densest among the three followed by the coin
exposed to warm temperature and the cold temperature. Noticed that the weight of the

coin exposed to warm temperature is denser compared to the coin exposed to cold
temperature.
The computed mean of the three five peso coins exposed to three different
temperatures is 7.74g is nearly the same with the actual weight of the coin. The weight
of the coin exposed under warm temperature noted to be the densest followed by the
coin exposed to cold and warm temperature.
The actual weight of the ten peso coin and the computed average of the three
ten peso coins is nearly the same. It is noted that the coin exposed to warm
temperature is the densest among the three followed by the coin exposed under room
temperature and cold temperature.
However, the computed average of the three peso coins in room temperature is
7.273g, 7.27g in cold temperature and their computed average in warm temperature is
7.32 which are highest among the three media of temperature.
Table 4. Sequence of Weight of Coins According To Temperature

Peso Coins
One
Five
Ten

Weight of Coins According to Temperature

Densest
Less Dense
Least Dense
Room
Warm
Cold
Warm
Cold
Room
Warm
Room
Cold

Table 4 shows the sequence of the weight of coins according to temperature. It is

noted that under warm temperature five and ten peso coins are the densest among the
three temperatures. On the other hand, the one and ten peso coins under cold
temperature are the least dense among the three temperatures. However the weight of
the one peso coin is noted to be densest in the room temperature and less dense in

warm temperature. Moreover, five peso is less dense in cold temperature and least
dense in room temperature.

FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT ANALYTICAL BALANCES

Temperature
Slight changes in room temperature can cause noticeable changes in the
makeup of a small sample. If the room temperature is too high, a sample could expand
or lose some water weight from evaporation. If the temperature is too low, the sample
could contract or allow for the condensation of water vapor in the sample container. The
sensitive nature of these analytical balances often requires strict temperature controls to
insure accurate readings.
Vibrations
Vibrations from ventilation systems, refrigerators or other equipment can also
affect the precision of an analytical balance. A vibration can rearrange, dislodge or spill
the sample, affecting both the amount of material available for measuring as well as its
distribution in the balance. Small vibrations can also wreak havoc on the delicate
instrumentation inside the balance. Any disruption to the mechanism may require
recalibration, which can take time away from research efforts, or replacement, which
can cause a change in the result of the weight.
Chemical Reaction
Some samples can be very sensitive to slight atmospheric changes. For
instance, white phosphorus can produce searing flames and thick smoke when exposed
to open air. Such volatility can lead to dangerous chemical reactions, which can alter the

state of the sample. Users should take precautions to insure that the sample remains
chemically inert during the weighing process.
Air Currents
While the composition of some samples requires that measurements be taken in
a well-ventilated room for the safety of lab workers, air currents can also affect the
delicate mechanisms of the analytical balance. Just as vibrations can alter the
measurement of a small sample size, changes in air pressure from ceiling fans, air
conditioners and open doors can also cause a misalignment in the sensitive equipment.
Calibration
In order for an analytical balance to give an accurate reading, the instrument
must be calibrated. Many balances offer an internal calibration feature, which allows the
machine to conduct its own calibration tests with minimal input from the user. However,
many labs conduct their own calibration tests on new equipment with certified
calibration masses. These masses help users determine the calibration settings for their
specific lab environment. Some manufacturers recommend that lab workers test the
machines every few months to insure that the calibration settings are still accurate.
Magnet
When measuring a magnetic material or a magnetized sample, it may attract and
be attracted to the surrounding components of the balance, or be influenced by the
magnetic force of the sensor coil. This will lead to inaccurate weighing results.
Fingerprints
At 0.1 mg fingerprints can alter the result.
User error

User error is frequently the leading cause of faulty measurements from an

analytical balance. Any changes in the above factors are often attributed to user error. A
lab worker who turns on a fan, leaves a sample on a table or mis-calibrates the machine
can affect the accuracy of the balance. Most labs have strict procedures for maintaining
atmospheric standards to insure accurate readings and lower instances of user error

DOS AND DONTS IN USING THE ANALYTICAL BALANCE

1. DO make sure that the machine is properly calibrated. Several brands of
analytical balances have self-calibration routines built into the software. However,
even these instruments can benefit from manual calibration. Be sure to follow the
calibration procedures outlined in the owners manual. Due to differing
atmospheric conditions and even slight gravitational fluctuations, most balances
require a recalibration when theyre fresh out of the box.
2. DO check to see that the balance pan is level. Even if an instrument appears to
be level to the naked eye, a tilt of only a few degrees in any direction can lead to
erroneous readings. Workers should check the indicator bubble before inserting
weighing paper or another container onto the balance pan. Most units include
leveling screws that allow technicians to adjust the balance to give an even
weighing surface.
3. DO record the mass of the paper or other container. While we may think of a
sheet of paper as having negligible weight, even such a small, thin item can
register on an instrument designed to measure one-tenth of a milligram. This
level of precision is especially important in pharmaceutical laboratories and

pharmacies, where a fraction of a milligram may be the difference between an

effective medication and a potential poison.
4. DONT touch tare containers with your bare hands. Dirt, fingerprints, skin oil,
sweat and other natural substances can add mass to the containers used to
measure items on precision scales and alter readings. Lab supervisors often
recommend that workers use tongs, spatulas or chemical wipes to protect the
containers from becoming contaminated.
5. DONT lean on the table or jostle the machine. These precision instruments are
highly sensitive to vibration. Any disruption in the delicate mechanisms inside the
machine can cause a faulty reading. Operators should stand back and allow the
instrument to carry out its task without hovering, leaning or bumping the machine.
If the sample is out of balance, restarting the process will give better results than
giving the machine a nudge in the right direction.
6. DONT forget to clean and reset the analytical balance after completing each
measurement. Liquids and powders can leave behind a residue, which can affect
future tasks. Workers should take care to clean inside and around the balance to
insure accurate readings for the next sample.

CHAPTER IV
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

CONCLUSIONS
The weight recorded of the Presto Cream Vanilla Sandwich Cookies is 31.49g
which is 1.49g higher than the actual net weight of 30g and the computed average of
the three cookies is 10.5g. During the experiment, the cookies were exposed to air
before it was placed in analytical balance by bare hand. The cookies might absorb
moisture in the air that added on its weight. It could also be take into account on the
fingerprints since gloves or tongs were not used in holding the cookies.
The computed average of the three peso coins in room temperature is 7.273g,
7.27g in cold temperature and their computed average in warm temperature is 7.32
which are highest among the three media of temperature. It could be inferred that the
higher temperature of the sample the densest it is. Thus, temperature is one of the
factors that affect the weight of the coins. Moreover, the finger prints also take into
consideration as another factor since gloves or tongs were not used in holding the
coins. The different sequence of weight according to temperature can be accounted to
what coins are made up of.
Temperature, humidity and fingerprints are factors that affected the weight of the
samples used in this experiment.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Analytical balances and precision scales are among the most precise measuring
instruments found in any state-of-the-art laboratory. They are also among the most
delicate and sensitive, which means that they require a great deal of care and
maintenance to insure that they consistently give accurate readings. Since many

balances can measure samples within one-tenth of a milligram, the accuracy and
sensitivity of these instrument is vital to most major scientific efforts.
Due to the delicate nature of these instruments, several factors can cause
analytical balances to give erroneous readings. In weighing, use gloves or tongs in
holding samples and take into consideration to the vulnerability of sample to moisture.
Also the sample must be in an ambient temperature before weighing. Just as any
craftsman keeps his tools in good working order, lab workers must take simple steps to
keep these precision tools in pristine condition. The process behind the proper care of
such precision equipment will extend the life of the instrument and save time and money
for all involved. It is also hereby recommended that the College of Education must put
up their Chemistry Laboratory and must buy their own Analytical Balance which is highly
needed by the BSE-Biological Science majors in their chemistry subjects.

GUIDE QUESTIONS
1. Compare and contrast accuracy and precision.
ACCURACY

PRECISION

degree of conformity of a measured or

calculated quantity to its actual value

single factor
independent precision

degree to which further measurements or

calculations show the same or similar
result measure of reliability of the
experiment on how reproducible the
experiment is
multiple factor
independent accuracy

2. What are the advantages of using the analytical balance in analytic chemistry?
Analytical balance can weigh small amount of samples with capacity of 82g at
0.01mg and up to 220g at an accuracy of 0.1 mg. it is very important to analytical
chemistry because it could measure mass in sub-milligram range. Using an analytical
balance, the mass of an object, generally in powdered and crystalline form, can be
determined to a very high degree of precision and accuracy.

3.What are the factors affecting the discrepancies in accuracy and precision?
Temperature
Slight changes in room temperature can cause noticeable changes in the
makeup of a small sample. If the room temperature is too high, a sample could expand
or lose some water weight from evaporation. If the temperature is too low, the sample
could contract or allow for the condensation of water vapor in the sample container. The
sensitive nature of these analytical balances often requires strict temperature controls to
insure accurate readings.
Vibrations
Vibrations from ventilation systems, refrigerators or other equipment can also
affect the precision of an analytical balance. A vibration can rearrange, dislodge or spill
the sample, affecting both the amount of material available for measuring as well as its

distribution in the balance. Small vibrations can also wreak havoc on the delicate
instrumentation inside the balance. Any disruption to the mechanism may require
recalibration, which can take time away from research efforts, or replacement, which
can cause a change in the result of the weight.
Chemical Reaction
Some samples can be very sensitive to slight atmospheric changes. For
instance, white phosphorus can produce searing flames and thick smoke when exposed
to open air. Such volatility can lead to dangerous chemical reactions, which can alter the
state of the sample. Users should take precautions to insure that the sample remains
chemically inert during the weighing process.
Air Currents
While the composition of some samples requires that measurements be taken in
a well-ventilated room for the safety of lab workers, air currents can also affect the
delicate mechanisms of the analytical balance. Just as vibrations can alter the
measurement of a small sample size, changes in air pressure from ceiling fans, air
conditioners and open doors can also cause a misalignment in the sensitive equipment.
Calibration
In order for an analytical balance to give an accurate reading, the instrument
must be calibrated. Many balances offer an internal calibration feature, which allows the
machine to conduct its own calibration tests with minimal input from the user. However,
many labs conduct their own calibration tests on new equipment with certified
calibration masses. These masses help users determine the calibration settings for their

specific lab environment. Some manufacturers recommend that lab workers test the
machines every few months to insure that the calibration settings are still accurate.
Magnet
When measuring a magnetic material or a magnetized sample, it may attract and
be attracted to the surrounding components of the balance, or be influenced by the
magnetic force of the sensor coil. This will lead to inaccurate weighing results.
Fingerprints
At 0.1 mg fingerprints can alter the result.
User error
User error is frequently the leading cause of faulty measurements from an
analytical balance. Any changes in the above factors are often attributed to user error. A
lab worker who turns on a fan, leaves a sample on a table or mis-calibrates the machine
can affect the accuracy of the balance. Most labs have strict procedures for maintaining
atmospheric standards to insure accurate readings and lower instances of user error

REFERENCES:
Sandor, Bob (2011). 6 Factors That Can Affect Analytical Balances

Retrieved July 02, 2014 from: http://www.labanalyticalbalance.com/6-factors-that-canaffect-analytical-balances.html

Koppal, Tanuja (2009). Analytical Balances Versatility of use adds to the need for
precision and accuracy. Retrieved July 02, 2014 from:
http://www.labmanager.com/news/2009/04/analyticalbalances?
fw1pk=2#.U6GNDXa9MR0

Croatian-English Chemistry Dictionary & Glossary. Retrieved July 02, 2014 from:
http://glossary.periodni.com/glossary.php?en=analytical+balance

Sandor, Bob (2011).ABC - Analytical Balance Care. Retrieved July 02, 2014 from:
http://www.labanalyticalbalance.com/abc-analytical-balance-care.html

DON MARIANO MARCOS MARCOS MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY

North La Union Campus
Bacnotan, La Union
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

BS 118- Organic Chemistry

POST LABORATORY REPORT

The Analytical Balance
Presented by:
ORPILLA, LESTER E.
CUYAPEN, JUNALYNNE T.
FORTIN, CHARISSE C.
GAPUZ, CHRISTOPHER JAY R.
MAGING, FLORIDA C.
BSE III Biological Science

Presented to:
MS. STEPHANIE ANN C. SAVELLANO
Course Professor

July 23, 2014