Background and Identification

A scale is a device to measure weight or mass. According to Wikipedia, the beam balance was the first measuring instrument invented. You may notice that your scale at home is different looking than the one at the physician’s office. The one in the office is likely a beam scale rather than a digital one though many are changing to digital as well. With the beam scale, to ensure that the weight is accurate, according to livestrong, “When the large counter weight and the small sliding weight are both on zero, the rotating beam should come to a stop where it is completely horizontal and the needle on the far right end is in the center of the slot.” You can determine your weight when the beam rests at a straight line. In order to ensure accuracy the scale must be calibrated prior to weighing a patient.

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