What is the purpose of a weigh paper in a laboratory setting?

The purpose of weigh paper in a laboratory setting is to serve as a clean and convenient surface for holding a substance while it is being measured on a balance. This method prevents direct contact between the substance and the scale, which helps in obtaining an accurate mass measurement. By using weigh paper, any residue or contamination from the balance pan is avoided, which can also prevent chemical reactions that might alter the mass of the substance being measured. This paper is often thin and designed to be lightweight, ensuring that it does not add significant mass to the measurement. This contributes to precise laboratory practices, allowing for consistent and reproducible results in experiments and analyses.