Question

During an investigation on the physical properties of minerals, students were asked to determine the mass of a mineral sample. Students used a triple-beam balance to determine the mass of the sample as shown below. Which is the mass of this mineral sample?

a. 35 grams
b. 37 grams
c. 38 grams
d. 39 grams

Answer 1

The mass of the mineral sample is 39 grams.

Step-by-step explanation:

Identify the reading on each beam:

Largest beam: Set to 30 grams

Middle beam: Set to 0 grams

Smallest beam: Set to 9 grams

Calculate the total mass:

Total mass = Reading on largest beam + Reading on middle beam + Reading on smallest beam

Total mass = 30 grams + 0 grams + 9 grams

Total mass = 39 grams

Therefore, the mass of the mineral sample is 39 grams.