What instrument is used to measure mass but is less sensitive than a top loading balance?

The triple beam balance is an instrument designed to measure mass by utilizing a system of three beams that can be adjusted to balance an unknown mass against known weights. It typically provides a measurement within a certain range, which makes it less sensitive compared to other types of balances like analytical balances or precision balances.

Triple beam balances are commonly used in educational and general laboratory settings because they do not require power, are easy to use, and offer a good level of accuracy for a variety of applications without needing the extreme sensitivity that more advanced balances provide. This makes them suitable for heavier samples or when a high degree of precision is not critical.

In contrast, electronic balances, precision balances, and analytical balances are designed for greater sensitivity and precision, often used for applications where even minute differences in mass are significant. These balances can measure to much smaller increments, making them more appropriate for analytical work where high precision is necessary.