What type of balance is used for accurately measuring mass in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the triple beam balance is recognized for its precision in measuring mass. This instrument comprises three beams, each having sliding weights that allow the user to counterbalance an object's weight accurately. The design of the triple beam balance ensures that the measurement is reliable and can indicate mass in grams with a high degree of accuracy, making it a standard tool in scientific experiments.

While digital scales can also provide accurate measurements, they may depend on batteries and can occasionally be affected by environmental conditions. Lever balances, although foundational in the history of measurement, are less commonly used in modern laboratories compared to the triple beam balance in terms of precision and ease of use for small masses. Hydrometers are entirely different instruments used to measure the specific gravity or density of liquids and are not applicable for measuring solid mass.