Scales, or weights, are tools used to measure the mass or weight of an object. They come in various forms, including digital and mechanical types. Common examples include bathroom scales for personal weight and kitchen scales for measuring ingredients in cooking. Scales operate based on the force of gravity acting on an object. When an object is placed on a scale, it exerts a downward force, which the scale measures and displays as weight. This measurement is typically given in units such as grams, kilograms, or pounds, depending on the scale's design and purpose.