Hobbies And Interests
Spring Scales
The spring scale is the most simple method of finding a material's weight or gravity. Though imprecise, if all you need is a general measurement, the spring scale is quite useful. The spring inside the scale compresses when weight is added and, depending on the weight, the needle attached to the spring will move one way or another. Scales of this sort usually measure gravity and mass in either pounds or ounces.
Triple Beam Balance Scale
The triple beam balance scale is the measuring device most often used in laboratories to measure both the weight and the mass of a material. The measurements are much more precise than the standard spring scale. The device works by a complex system of balanced weights. Though much more expensive than a store-bought spring scale, the triple beam balance is ideal if you need an exact reading of an objects gravity.
Controversy
Gravity is now treated as such a basic part of our understanding that it might be surprising that there are controversies surrounding its measurement. In determining the exact measure of the gravity that is exerted upon objects on the Earth there are several different methods. The different methods, however, yield different results--not very different, but enough to give scientists pause. There are still experts today working on finding more exact methods of measuring gravity.