Final answer:
The triple-beam balance measures an object's mass in grams or kilograms, while the spring scale measures an object's weight in newtons or pounds. Mass is a constant property of matter, but weight can vary with the force of gravity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The triple-beam balance and the spring scale are two different instruments used to measure different physical quantities. The triple-beam balance measures the mass of an object and its readings are given in units of grams (g) or kilograms (kg). Conversely, a spring scale measures the weight of an object, which is the force due to gravity acting on it. The readings on a spring scale are typically in newtons (N) or pounds (lb). One main difference is that mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, which doesn't change with location, whereas weight is the force exerted by gravity on that mass and can vary with the strength of the gravitational field.
For example, a triple-beam balance operates on a principle of mechanical equilibrium, with beams that you slide weights across to balance the mass of the sample on the other side. A spring scale, however, measures weight by the extent to which a spring stretches, which correlates with the gravitational force exerted on the object.
Comparing Triple-Beam Balance and Spring Scale
Triple-Beam Balance: Measures mass in grams or kilograms
Spring Scale: Measures weight in newtons or pounds