Page 104 - Viva

Measuring Weight Using Non-Standard Units
We weigh an object or a thing to know how heavy or light it is.

Weight can be measured in two ways.
1. By using objects.

For example, we can use stones to weigh a melon. Two stones may not be of the
same size and weight, thus the weight of melon will be different for different stones.

2. By using standard weights and weighing machines.
To get the exact weight everytime we weigh a thing, we need fixed measures. Grams

and kilograms are the most commonly used measures of weight.
You must have seen the weighing balance which the local vegetable or fruit sellers use
to weigh things. It has two pans. The pans balance when the weights in the two pans

are equal. When the weights in the two pans are not equal, the pan with heavier object
moves down and the pan with lighter object moves up.

The weights are equal. The weights are not equal.

Let’s make a simple weighing balance to learn how to weigh things using non-standard
weights.

• Take two plastic or thermocol plates. Make three holes near their edges at equal
distance. Use a single hole punch to do so.

• Take 6 strong strands of wool or thread of equal length.
• Tie one strand of wool or thread on each hole made in the plates as shown
alongside.

• Take one plate and tie all the three strands of wool
or thread together on a hanger as shown.

• Tie the second plate on the other end of the hanger.
• Secure the thread on both sides of the hanger using

a tape after balancing both the plates. Your balance
is ready. You can use stones, pebbles, coins, marbles,
etc., as non-standard weights to weigh other things.
Now using the weighing balance made by you, weigh your empty pencil box, a banana and a
watch by using non-standard weights. Write your observations in a table in your notebook.

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