a mass balance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mass balance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in scientific and engineering contexts to refer to the accounting of mass in a system, ensuring that mass is conserved in processes. Example: "In order to analyze the chemical reaction, we need to perform a mass balance to ensure that all reactants and products are accounted for."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Chemical Engineering

Environmental Science

Hydrology

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A mass balance has successfully validated the obtained experimental results.

Chemical Engineering Research and Design

A mass balance and a preliminary feasibility study were investigated.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

For the top 10 cm soil layer, a mass balance was established throughout the study.

Environmental Sciences Europe

In principle, a mass balance for each component is made in a compositional model.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

As a consequence, phase proportions by a mass balance approach are not given here.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Comparison of the film velocity by this method and by a mass balance showed close agreement.

Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science

These results are confirmed/supported by a mass balance calculation and spectrophotometry experiment.

Biophysical Journal

These conversions are analyzed based on nitrogen and phosphorous balances using a mass balance approach.

Aquacultural Engineering

A mass balance approach showed that thermal-alkaline stripping improved hydrolysis.

Bioresource Technology

A mass balance based on silica yields similar estimates (50 70%).

Journal of Hydrology

A mass balance or material balance is an application of the mass conservation to the analysis of physical systems.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mass balance", ensure that all inputs, outputs, and transformations within the system are accounted for to maintain accuracy and validity. Clearly define the system boundaries and the components being tracked.

Common error

A common error is failing to adequately define the system boundaries or neglecting to account for all relevant components. This leads to an inaccurate "mass balance" and flawed conclusions. Always ensure a comprehensive system analysis.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a mass balance" is as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig shows that it is used to describe a method or model for analyzing physical systems based on the principle of mass conservation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

95%

News & Media

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mass balance" is a noun phrase commonly used in scientific and engineering fields to describe a method of analysis based on mass conservation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and its primary function is to track and quantify materials within a system. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific contexts, indicating a formal and technical register. Related phrases like "mass conservation analysis" and "material balance assessment" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Effective use of "a mass balance" requires a well-defined system and careful consideration of all inputs, outputs, and transformations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mass conservation analysis

This alternative focuses on the principle of mass conservation rather than the specific calculation or model.

material balance assessment

Replaces "mass" with "material", broadening the scope to include different types of materials being balanced.

mass accounting procedure

Emphasizes the procedural aspect of tracking and accounting for mass.

mass flow analysis

Focuses on the flow of mass through a system, highlighting the dynamic aspect.

material flow analysis

Similar to mass flow analysis but more generic to account for different materials.

conservation of mass calculation

This alternative clearly states that the principle of conservation of mass is being applied in the calculation.

mass budget estimation

Replaces 'balance' with 'budget', implying a more general overview of mass inputs and outputs.

mass inventory analysis

Highlights the aspect of tracking and quantifying mass within a defined space or system.

quantitative mass assessment

Emphasizes the numerical and analytical nature of the mass balance process.

mass reconciliation technique

Focuses on the process of making mass inputs and outputs consistent and balanced.

FAQs

How is "a mass balance" used in scientific research?

In scientific research, "a mass balance" is used to track the amount of a substance as it undergoes physical or chemical changes. This helps in understanding reaction rates, material flows, and system efficiencies. Examples include analyzing chemical reactions, tracking pollutants in ecosystems, and modeling nutrient cycles.

What is the purpose of performing "a mass balance"?

The purpose of performing "a mass balance" is to ensure that the amount of material entering a system equals the amount leaving the system, plus any accumulation within the system. It's a fundamental principle for understanding and managing resources in various processes.

What are some alternatives to "a mass balance"?

Some alternatives include "mass conservation analysis", "material balance assessment", or "mass flow analysis" depending on the specific context and the emphasis you want to convey.

What are the key components of "a mass balance" calculation?

The key components include identifying all inputs, outputs, and storage or accumulation terms within a defined system. Accurate measurements and a clear understanding of the processes involved are essential for a reliable "mass balance".