What is a load cell?

A load cell is a specialized device designed to measure weight or force, making it essential in various applications, including industrial weighing systems, load testing, and material testing. It operates by converting a force applied to it into an electrical signal. This process typically involves the use of strain gauges, which deform under load and change their electrical resistance. The resulting signal is then processed and calibrated to provide accurate weight measurements.

The other options describe different types of instruments or devices that do not relate to the function of a load cell. For example, a mechanical spring pertains to elasticity and force measurement but does not convert force into an electrical signal. Similarly, temperature measuring tools and voltage calculating instruments serve entirely different purposes, focusing on thermal and electrical properties respectively, rather than weight or force measurement. Thus, the primary function of a load cell as a weight or force measuring device clearly distinguishes it from these other options.