Weighing dishes/boats are used for what purpose?

• A. Used to hold substances in while being weighed
• B. Used to filter liquids
• C. Used to stir solutions
• D. Used to hold liquids during heating

Answer: (A)

Weighing dishes and boats are used to hold a solid sample during mass measurement on a balance. They act as a container that you tare (zero) first, then add the solid so you can determine the sample’s mass without including the container. This is essential for accurate, loss-free weighing, especially with powders, crystals, or hygroscopic materials that might cling to a balance pan or evaporate if weighed directly. They’re designed for containment, not for filtering, stirring, or heating liquids, which is why other lab tools—like filter papers, stirring rods, or beakers—serve those roles.