Mass change
Mass is a fundamental physical quantity crucial for quantifying the amount of substance. Within this context, two defining properties are inertia and gravity. Inertia implies that an external force is necessary to alter the direction or speed of movement of a body. Gravity, on the other hand, results from the mass attraction of bodies and is commonly known as gravitation. The unit of measurement for mass is the kilogram (kg).
The determination of mass is typically achieved through weighing, where a balance is utilized to gauge the weight of a substance, a measure proportional to the mass. The unit of measure for weight is the Newton (N). In colloquial usage, the distinction between mass and weight is often overlooked, and the term “weight” is commonly used to denote mass.
Thermal analysis methods and applications of mass change
Thermal analysis methods, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), focus on determining the mass change of a sample or material during heating or cooling. The results are expressed as mass change and are usually measured in micrograms (μg). This determination is conducted using a thermobalance, comprising a precise temperature-controlled oven, an accurate electrical balance, gas supply lines, and units for processing measured values.
Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) is another thermal analysis method that concurrently assesses mass changes and the release or absorption of heat during controlled temperature variations. Mass changes can occur due to processes like evaporation, sublimation, or chemical reactions, while heat is released or consumed in chemical reactions and phase transformations.
The values obtained through these thermal analysis methods serve as crucial foundations in various industries. They contribute to the development of specific materials in the automotive sector, aid in the examination of food properties, and play essential roles in product development and quality assurance within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.