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.