balance: The Spring Balance

A spring balance consists of a coiled spring fixed to a support at one end, with a hook at the other to which the body to be weighed is applied. Within the spring's limit of elasticity, the distance through which it is stretched is directly proportional to the weight of the applied body. A pointer and graduated scale attached to the spring convert this distance into a weight reading.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Accuracy of Balances
• The Spring Balance
• The Unequal-Arm Balance
• The Equal-Arm Balance

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