Analytical balance
A high accuracy balance used for quantitative weighing operations. When using one, it is articularly important to handle the sample containers with gloves and tweezers so as to avoid errors arising from moisture on fingers and to close the box around the balance to protect the delicate mechanism of the balance from air currents.
Laboratory balance
An electronic balance capable of rapidly weighing samples (50g to 10kg) to a precision of 0.1g. Such balances, which are commonly known as "top pan" balances, are used for qualitative weighing, e.g. to weigh out reagents for chemical reactions, and are not to be used for quantitative weighing.
