ABSTRACT
The usual method of determining the mass of an object is by comparing the nominally equal forces exerted on a balance pan by the object and by a mass standard. This chapter examines the concept that the mass of an object can be adequately determined by direct weighing on an electronic balance without the use of external standards. The electronic balance can be considered to be a highly linear and precise force detector. The calibration function of the analytical-quality electronic balance is totally or partially controlled by its microprocessor. In the calibration process, the pan-empty balance indication is set equal to zero. The algorithm for determining air density using the two weights and incorporating the air density to make an automatic buoyancy correction could be incorporated in the microprocessor of the balance. The balance would then query the user for the density of the object, the mass of which is being determined.
