Final answer:
The statement lacks sufficient information to determine the truth value, as it does not specify the mass of the plate. In physics, a balance implies equal masses, and this can be measured by a double-pan mechanical balance or a digital scale.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to the concept of mass and balance, which is rooted in physics. A flat plate's weight being balanced by a counterweight solely depends on the mass of the objects and not their dimensions. The mass of a counterweight needed to balance an object would be equal to the mass of the object itself, regardless of the size or shape of either. The statement provided lacks adequate information about the mass of the plate; therefore, it is incomplete and status of true or false cannot be determined solely based on the given data.
A double-pan mechanical balance is a tool used to compare the mass of two objects. Known masses, such as standard weight metal cylinders, are placed on one side, while the object of unknown mass is placed on the other. When the connecting bar is horizontal, it signifies that the masses are balanced and equal. Digital scales have largely replaced these mechanical balances due to their higher precision, often measuring up to the nearest thousandth of a gram.
In scenarios where mass and balance principles are applied, it is important to understand that the mass of objects remains the same, regardless of the location, even if the weight might change due to variations in the gravitational pull. On Earth or on the moon, for instance, the mass of objects remains unchanged, and thus any balance between masses would be preserved despite the difference in gravity.