An Analysis of Read-Out Perturbations Seen on an Analytical Balance with a Swinging Pan

Abstract

An analysis of the dynamic behavior of a single-pan mechanical balance is presented. In particular, errors caused by a swinging pan are analyzed in detail. Results point to a large effect which, though apparently not previously appreciated, is nevertheless easily verified experimentally. It is suggested that this effect can be reduced to insignificance in a balance whose beam is servo-controlled to an angle perpendicular to the local gravitational field.