- 01: Introduction
- 02: History
- 03: Propellants, Firearms, and Ammunition Development
- 04: Modern Firearms Manufacture
- 05: Small Arms Ammunition
- 06: Evidence Handling Procedures
- 07: Equipment and Instrumentation
- Introduction
- Objectives
- AFTE Knowledge and Ability Factors
- Measurement, Standards, and Accuracy
- Weight, Force, and Their Measurement
- Dimensional Data and Measurement Tools
- Muzzle Velocity of Bullets
- Stereo and Comparison Microscopes
- Small Tools and Supplies
- Imaging Equipment
- Field Support Equipment
- Computer-Based Technologies
- Firing Facilities
- Selected Bibliography
- 08: Examination of Firearms
- 09: Cartridge and Shotshell Examination
- 10: Characterization and Evaluation of Fired Projectiles
- 11: Bullet Comparison and Identification
- 12: Gunshot Residue and Distance Determination
- 13: Toolmark Identification
- 14: Communicating Results
- Resources
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice ProgramsNational Institute of JusticeThe Research, Development, and Evaluation Agency of the U.S. Department of Justice
Weight, Force, and Their Measurement
Home > Equipment and Instrumentation > Weight, Force, and Their Measurement
A well-known application
of a balance beam
Weight is a way of expressing the force of gravity on an object, assuming certain standard conditions, such as being at sea level. It is a convenient reference standard for firearm examiners and other forensic scientists.
The beam balance is one of the earliest devices used to obtain weight measurements. This instrument was used in a very simple way: by establishing a “balance” between a questioned weight and known or standard weights. Precision laboratory beam-style balances are sensitive and expensive. They are rapidly disappearing from most forensic laboratories and are being replaced by digital and electronic scales.
