metric measurement notes. making measurements by measuring, scientists can express their...

Metric Measurement Notes

Making Measurements

By measuring, scientists can express their observations more precisely and communicate more information about what they observe.

Measuring in SI (International System of Units)

• This is the system of measurement used by scientists around the world.

• SI units are easy to use because they are based on multiples of 10.

• Each unit is ten times larger than the next smallest unit and 1/10 the size of the next largest unit.

• The table lists prefixes used to name common SI units.

PrefixS

ym

bo

l Meaning

kilo- k 1,000

hecto- h 100

deka- da 10

deci- d 0.1 (or 1/10th)

centi- c 0.01 (or 1/100th)

milli- m 0.001 (or 1/1000th)

Measuring Length• Length is the distance

between two points.

• The unit of measure for length is the meter (m).

• The tool for measuring length is the metric ruler or meter stick.

• Kilometer: x 1000

• Centimeter:

( there are 100 cm in 1m)

• Millimeter

(there are 10 mm in 1 cm and 1000 mm in 1 m)

1 centimeter

1 millimeter

Measuring Liquid Volume

• The unit of measure for liquid volume is the liter (L).

• Smaller volumes are measured in milliliters (mL).

• One liter (L) = 1000 milliliters (mL)

• The tool for measuring liquid volume is the graduated cylinder.

2 liter bottle of Coke

1 milliliter of water in a graduated cylinder

Measuring Mass• The unit of measure for

mass is the gram (g).

• Larger masses are measured in kilograms (kg).

• One kilogram (kg) = 1000 grams (g)

• The tool for measuring mass is the balance.

almost a gram

Measuring Temperature

• The unit of measurement for temperature is Celsius (∘C).

• Water freezes at 0∘C and boils at 100∘C.

• The tool for measuring temperature is the thermometer.