What term describes the sample mass with no more than 0.5 gram mass loss during one hour?

The term "constant mass" is used to describe a sample mass that demonstrates negligible change, specifically a mass loss of no more than 0.5 grams over the course of one hour. This concept is crucial in laboratory practices, particularly in aggregate testing, where consistent results are essential for accurate outcomes. Achieving constant mass indicates that the sample has reached thermal equilibrium or is no longer losing moisture, ensuring that its weight is stable for further testing. This is critical to avoid influences on test results that could arise from fluctuating mass due to moisture content or other factors.

Other terms such as "stable mass," "fixed mass," or "average mass" do not specifically convey the characteristic of maintaining a precise weight over time without significant loss, which is inherent in the definition of constant mass. Stable mass may imply a weight that does not change significantly, but it does not provide the specific criteria for mass loss that constant mass does. Fixed mass might imply that a weight is set, but it lacks the time component and specific loss threshold that define constant mass. Average mass suggests a calculated mean value, which does not reflect the critical aspect of minimal loss over a definitive period.