Error on a weighing scale due to wrong size

[cloa513]

If you have say a 15 centimetre long piece of rigid plastic and the weighing scale's tray is only 10 centimetres, what is an estimate of the error that introduces in the measurement assuming the weight is still within normal parameters for the weighing scale. I was wondering what the approximate error in general for moderately rigid materials? It happens now and again at work.

 

[Ibix]

I would expect zero, unless the overhanging part is resting on something or the weight distribution is so uneven it's tilting the pan.

What shape are the things you weigh? Can you hold them vertical somehow so they are fully within the pan? For example, if they are rod-shaped they could be placed horizontally across the top of a cup and then nearly-vertically in it. Then you could compare the measured weights with and without an overhang as a test. Remember to repeat each measurement a few times (take everything off the scale and put it back on) to check your precision.

 

[cloa513]

Shape of things- plates.

 

[Ibix]

Hard for you to test, then. The answer is still zero.

 

[Baluncore]

I was wondering what the approximate error in general for moderately rigid materials?

Experiment with a test item, offset and hanging over the pan in different directions. Then break it up and weigh it in the pan. How much variation do you see?