In scientific terms, what is the primary function of a pan balance?

The primary function of a pan balance is to measure mass. A pan balance operates by comparing the mass of an object placed on one pan to known masses placed on the other pan. This comparison allows for an accurate determination of the mass of the object, as the balance will remain level when the masses are equal. Unlike other measurements such as temperature, volume, or length, which require different types of tools and methods, a pan balance is specifically designed to quantify mass directly through this comparison. This is critical in many scientific applications where knowing the mass of a substance is necessary for calculations and experiments.