Description
Return before-after and loss/before, or zero with defined false when before is zero.
Food quantities depend on whether their basis is gross, edible, drained, wet, dry or solid mass. Changing the denominator can change a reported concentration or yield without changing the actual sample or proving anything about its safety.
Return before-after and loss/before, or zero with defined false when before is zero.
When to use this tool
Use Drying Sample Mass Loss Step when you need a stated food-mass, composition-basis or yield calculation.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter beforeMass, afterMass. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read loss, lossFraction, defined. Inspect defined before interpreting the associated values.
Require nonnegative before/after masses. Return before-after and loss/before, or zero with defined false when before is zero.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| beforeMass | Before Mass | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| afterMass | After Mass | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| loss | Loss | Required. Finite number. |
| lossFraction | Loss Fraction | Required. Finite number. |
| defined | Whether the stated denominator or normalization exists; inspect before interpreting a zero placeholder. | Required. Boolean. |
{
"input": {
"beforeMass": 100,
"afterMass": 80
},
"output": {
"loss": 20,
"lossFraction": 0.2,
"defined": true
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Mass gain yields negative loss; the zero placeholder is not a measured zero fraction. No moisture-only attribution or drying endpoint is inferred.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Reconcile measured quantities and preparation records on a common basis. Use the appropriate laboratory, nutritional or safety assessment when arithmetic alone cannot establish the intended property.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Storage Loss Moisture Term
Compute both dry masses and initial minus final dry-mass loss.
- Food Drying Shrinkage Volume Factor
Return volume retention, mass retention and final/initial density ratio.