When using the tare function on a balance start by turning the scale to 0. This must be done after you have placed the container that will be used to measure the material to be weighed. This function is especially useful in laboratories, kitchens, and industrial applications that require precise measurements.
To use the tare function correctly, start by placing an empty container on the scale before pressing the tare button. This ensures that the container’s weight is not lost, allowing for accurate measurement of the substance inside.
This article will discuss how the tare function works, the steps to use it correctly, common applications, and examples.
How the Tare Function Works
When using the tare function on a balance, start by must be at 0. When an object is placed on a digital scale, the scale measures its total weight. However, in many cases, the object being weighed is contained within a container, such as a bowl or beaker.
The tare function eliminates the need for manual calculations by resetting the scale to zero after placing the container. This ensures that only the weight of the substance is displayed, increasing accuracy and efficiency.
Steps to Use the Tare Function on a Balance
After knowing when using the tare function on a balance start by the number 0, you can use the tare function correctly:
1. Turn on the Balance
When using the tare function on a balance start by ensuring the digital scale is turned on and properly calibrated. Calibration is necessary to maintain accuracy.
2. Use an Empty Container on the Scale
Place a container (such as a bowl, beaker, or measuring cup) on the scale. The display will show the weight of the container.
3. Press the Tare Button
When using the tare function on a balance start by looking for the tare button, which is often labeled “Tare” or “Zero.” Pressing this button will reset the display to zero, so measurements will be more accurate without a container.
4. Add the Substance to the Container
Once the balance is tared, add the substance you wish to measure. The display will now show only the weight of the substance, without including the container.
5. Record the Measurement
Take note of the displayed weight. If necessary, you can perform additional measurements by removing the substance and adding another item without re-taring.
Examples of Using the Tare Function
To understand the concept of when using the tare function on a balance start by, let’s explore some real-world examples.
Example 1: Measuring Ingredients in a Kitchen
Suppose you are baking a cake and need 200 grams of flour. Instead of weighing the flour directly, you place a bowl on the scale, which weighs 300 grams. Without the tare function, the balance would display 500 grams when flour is added.
When using the tare function on a balance start by pressing the tare button after placing the empty bowl, the scale will return to zero. Now, when flour is added, the scale will only display the weight of the flour, so the measurement is accurate.
Example 2: Laboratory Experiment
In a chemistry lab, a scientist needs to weigh 50 milligrams of a chemical powder. The powder must be placed in a small glass container. Instead of manually subtracting the container’s weight, the scientist places the container on the balance and presses the tare button. Once the display resets to zero, the scientist adds the powder, and the balance shows only the chemical’s weight.
Example 3: Weighing Items in a Grocery Store
When purchasing loose produce at a supermarket, customers sometimes place fruits or vegetables in a plastic bag before weighing them. Modern digital scales use the tare function to remove the weight of the plastic bag so that the final price is based only on the net weight of the produce.
Practice Questions on Using the Tare Function on a Balance
Below are some example questions to help reinforce the understanding of how and when to use the tare function on a balance. All questions will be given the correct answer and its explanation.
Question 1
A chef is preparing a recipe and needs exactly 300 grams of sugar. He places an empty bowl on a digital scale, and it shows a weight of 150 grams. What should the chef do next to measure only the sugar?
A) Add sugar until the scale reads 450 grams.
B) Subtract 150 grams from the total weight after adding sugar.
C) Press the tare button to reset the scale to zero, then add sugar until it reaches 300 grams.
D) Weigh the sugar separately without using the bowl.
Correct Answer: C) Press the tare button to reset the scale to zero, then add sugar until it reaches 300 grams.
Explanation:
By pressing the tare button, the scale resets to zero, eliminating the weight of the bowl. This allows the chef to add sugar directly until the scale reads 300 grams, ensuring accurate measurement without needing manual subtraction.
Question 2
A scientist needs to weigh 50 mg of a chemical powder. She places a glass beaker on the balance, and it reads 200 grams. She then presses the tare button. What will the balance display after she tares the beaker?
A) 200 grams
B) 0 grams
C) 50 mg
D) -200 grams
Correct Answer: B) 0 grams
Explanation:
When the tare button is pressed, the balance resets to zero, removing the weight of the beaker. This allows the scientist to add the chemical powder, and the scale will only display the weight of the powder, making the measurement accurate.
Question 3
A customer at a grocery store wants to weigh some cherries using a plastic bag. After placing the empty bag on the scale, what should they do next to get an accurate weight of the cherries?
A) Add cherries to the bag immediately.
B) Press the tare button before adding the cherries.
C) Remove the bag and weigh the cherries separately.
D) Weigh the cherries with the bag and subtract the bag’s weight manually.
Correct Answer: B) Press the tare button before adding the cherries.
Explanation:
When using the tare function on a balance start by weighing the scale with an empty plastic bag, as this ensures that only the weight of the cherries is measured. If the bag is not weighed, the weight displayed will include both the cherries and the bag, resulting in an inaccurate measurement.
Question 4
Why is the tare function important when measuring liquids in a container?
A) It prevents liquid spillage.
B) It eliminates the need to weigh the container separately.
C) It increases the weight of the liquid.
D) It keeps the liquid at a stable temperature.
Correct Answer: B) It eliminates the need to weigh the container separately.
Explanation:
When measuring liquids, the tare function allows users to remove the weight of the container, ensuring that only the liquid’s weight is displayed. Without taring, one would need to manually subtract the container’s weight from the total, increasing the chance of error. So when using the tare function on a balance start by subtracting the weight of the container from the amount of liquid displayed.
Question 5
A pet owner needs to measure 250 grams of dog food. The bowl weighs 500 grams. After placing the bowl on the scale and pressing the tare, what should they do next?
A) Add dog food until the scale reads 250 grams.
B) Add 750 grams of dog food.
C) Subtract 500 grams from the total weight after adding food.
D) Press the tare button again before adding the food.
Correct Answer: A) Add dog food until the scale reads 250 grams.
Explanation:
After taring the scale, the display resets to zero, removing the bowl’s weight. The owner can then add dog food directly until the scale shows 250 grams, ensuring an accurate measurement.
Question 6
A jeweler wants to measure the weight of a gold bracelet. He places a velvet tray on the scale, and it reads 100 grams. What should he do next before placing the bracelet on the tray?
A) Add the bracelet immediately and subtract 100 grams later.
B) Press the tare button to reset the scale to zero.
C) Remove the tray and place the bracelet directly on the scale.
D) Estimate the weight of the bracelet by comparing it to another item.
Correct Answer: B) Press the tare button to reset the scale to zero.
Explanation:
By weighing the scale, the weight of the tray will be reduced, so that the jeweler can only measure the weight of the bracelet accurately. The seller must know when using the tare function on a balance start by, that is, without the tray. If the seller does not know when to use the tare function on the scale, the weight displayed will include the tray and the ring, making the measurement inaccurate.
Question 7
A chemistry student needs to measure 10 grams of salt in a plastic cup. After placing the cup on the balance, what should they do before adding the salt?
A) Press the tare button to reset the weight to zero.
B) Add the salt immediately and subtract the cup’s weight later.
C) Shake the balance to ensure accurate measurement.
D) Weigh the salt on a separate scale.
Correct Answer: A) Press the tare button to reset the weight to zero.
Explanation:
Using the tare function ensures that the weight of the plastic cup is not included in the final measurement. This allows the student to accurately measure only the salt without additional calculations.
Question 8
A baker is measuring multiple ingredients in the same bowl using a digital scale. After measuring 200 grams of sugar, she wants to add 150 grams of butter. What should she do before adding the butter?
A) Remove the sugar, clean the bowl, and start over.
B) Press the tare button to reset the scale to zero before adding butter.
C) Estimate the butter’s weight without using the scale.
D) Add the butter and subtract 200 grams from the total weight.
Correct Answer: B) Press the tare button to reset the scale to zero before adding butter.
Explanation:
When using the tare function on a balance start by pressing the tare button, the baker will reset the scale to zero after measuring the sugar. This allows her to add 150 grams of butter without having to do manual calculations. It also simplifies the process of measuring several ingredients in the same bowl.
Common Mistakes When Using the Tare Function
Understanding when using the tare function on a balance start by seems simple enough, but mistakes can still happen. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
1. Not Taring the Container
If you forget to press the tare button, the displayed weight will include both the container and the substance, leading to incorrect measurements.
2. Taring with a Substance Already Inside
Pressing the tare button after adding the substance will result in a display of zero, making it impossible to determine the weight of the substance alone. Always tare the container first before adding any material.
3. Moving the Container After Taring
If the container is shifted or removed after taring, the balance may lose accuracy. It is important to keep the container in place after taring.
By understanding the importance of the tare function and applying it correctly in situations such as cooking, the laboratory, and retail we can ensure accurate measurements and avoid common mistakes. You can master a variety of questions here and make your measurements more accurate.
When using the tare function on a balance start by placing an empty container on the scale and pressing the tare button to reset the display. This ensures that only the net weight of the substance is measured, increasing accuracy and efficiency.
Mastering the use of the tare function is a fundamental skill for anyone who relies on accurate weight measurements, making it an indispensable feature in both everyday life and professional environments.
FAQ’s
What should I do first when using the tare function on a balance?
Place the empty container first. Then, press the tare button to reset the scale to zero before adding the item you want to measure.
Why is the tare function important?
It ensures accurate measurements by subtracting the weight of containers, so only the item’s weight is displayed.
Can I use the tare function multiple times?
Yes, you can press the tare button after each new ingredient to measure them separately in the same container.
What happens if I forget to tare the scale?
The displayed weight will include both the container and the item, requiring manual subtraction.
Does the tare function work on all digital scales?
Most digital scales have a tare function, but check the user manual to confirm.
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On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
