Which instrument would you use to compare two masses directly without a numerical reading?

• A. Pan Balance
• B. Digital Balance
• C. Microscope
• D. Stopwatch

Answer: (A)

Direct mass comparison uses a device that shows equality by balance rather than giving a number. A pan balance has two pans on a beam balanced on a fulcrum. When you place each mass on opposite pans, the heavier mass will tilt the beam toward its side. If the beam stays level, the two masses are equal. This lets you compare without any numerical readings. The other tools don’t fit: a digital balance displays a numerical mass, a microscope is for tiny structures, and a stopwatch measures time.