Matthew A. Clapp

Matthew A. Clapp

Using Machine Learning to extract the signal from the noise.

Precision Mass References on the Cheap

less than 1 minute read

  • US nickels are exactly 5g in mass when they’re made
  • US pennies are exactly 2.5g in mass when they’re made
  • If you can find new coins, they’re super-cheap reference masses

Introduction

I had two scales that gave very different answers for the weight of the same thing. How to figure out which one is right? The answer is to use some precision mass references to verify the accuracy of a scale. But I didn’t want to buy some specialized ones.

Discussion

I soon found out from the US Mint that US nickels and US pennies are convenient weights: 5g and 2.5g respectively. With enough brand new nickels (that haven’t been worn down) you have precision mass references at a very cheap price!

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