What is the function of slotted masses?

Answer 1

Slotted masses are used in student lab classes, to teach physics and other sciences. The slots allow them to be placed on weight hangers, which are lightweight platforms attached to a thin rod with a hook at the top. Various masses are added to the hanger to create the desired amount of total mass (standard masses are 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 gram), then the combination is hung by the hooked end from a string or other support point. The slotted mass/weight hanger combination allows a student to quickly create any desired amount of mass, to use in experiments involving force, acceleration, and mass. There are also many other experiments in other fields where a variable hanging mass comes in handy.

Answer 2

Slotted masses are used in physics experiments to create a known amount of mass that can be easily added or removed from a balance to measure the weight of an object or force due to gravity. They help in calibrating balances and studying the effects of different masses on physical systems.