A scale is a device used for weighing.
A scale is a device used to calculate the weight of things . For example: “My nutritionist recommended that I buy a scale so I can evaluate the evolution of my weight” , “The greengrocer told me that the scale is out of calibration” , “The Russian boxer will step on the scale tonight” .
In order to fully understand the meaning of the term, we must begin by discovering its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is a word that derives from the Latin bilanx, in turn the result of the sum of two components:
- The prefix bi- , which is equivalent to “two” .
- The noun lanx , which can be translated as “plate” .
Types of scale
There are multiple types of scales that allow us to weigh elements with very different characteristics. Scales, specifically, measure the mass of bodies: the amount of matter they have. The kilogram is the unit of mass in the International System of Units .
There are animal scales, industrial scales, pocket scales, truck scales, jewelry scales, digital scales, pharmacy scales, dock scales, baby scales... The latter, for example, can be found in pediatricians' offices, pharmacies and even in homes and have The objective is to know the weight of a small child. This way, you can know if you are growing and gaining weight normally or not.
Scales are important in the kitchen.
Its characteristics
In addition to all of the above, regardless of the type, a scale is required to be precise, reliable, resistant and easy to use. It is also appreciated that it may have useful functions such as memory, for example.
Although there are differences between weight and mass, in everyday language both notions are used as equivalents. Therefore, although the scale reveals the table of something, it is often said that it reports its weight.
The precision of scales varies according to their use. In a butcher shop, to cite one case, it is enough for the scale to work with a precision of grams. Thus the butcher can sell two kilograms of ribs (chops) or two hundred grams of minced meat. On the other hand, in a laboratory , a balance with milligram precision will be needed to prepare drugs with their exact proportions.
Balance in the economy
In the field of economics , certain records that allow the state of income and expenditure of money to be compared are known as balances.
The trade balance , in this framework, reflects the comparison between a country's exports and imports, while the balance of payments compares the external payments and receipts of a given economy.