Chapter 2- The Work of a Scientist
Section 1- Measurement: A Common Language
A Standard Measurement System
The Metric System is a system of measurement based on the number 10.
Modern Scientist use a version of the metric system called International Standard (SI). Using SI as the
standard system of measurement allows scientist to compate data and communicate with each other
about their results.
Length
The basic unit of length in SI is the METER.
To measure objects smaller than a meter, scientist use units called centimeter (cm) or millimeter (mm).
Centi means one-hundredth
Milli means one thousands
To measure objects much larger than a meter, scientist use units called kilometer (km).
Kilo means one thousand
The tool that scientist use to measure length is called a metric ruler.
What unit would you use to measure the follow:
a) The distance from Ohio to California
___KM________________
b) The length of a paper clip
_____mm______________________
c) A piece of paper
d) The size of a classroom
____cm_______________________
____m________________________
Mass
Mass is the measure of the amount of matter an object contains.
The basic unit of mass in SI is
kilogram (kg).
To measure an object smaller than a kilogram, scientist use the gram. 1 kilogram is 1,000 grams.
The tool that scientist use to measure mass is known as a Triple Beam Balance.
This is a triple beam balance.
It has 3 beams that measure
milligrams, grams and
kilograms.
Mass often confused with
_weight________. They are
NOT the same! Weight depends on ___gravity________. The weight of an object can change
depending on the force of gravity. ___Mass_ does not change due to gravity, therefore, mass is always
the same.
Volume
Volume is the amount of _space____ an object is taking up.To measure the volume of liquids, scientists
use a unit known as a __liter_________.
How many milliliters would there be in 1 liter? ___1,000_____.
To measure liquids, you use a __graduated_____ cylinder.
To measure the volume of a solid, you would use a _ruler____. The unit will be a
___cubic_____centimeter. To figure out the volume you need to measure an objects length, width and
height.
Once you know the length (L), width (W), and the
height (H) you can solve using a calculator. Use this
formula:
LxWxH=V
V stands for volume.
To find the volume of an irregular solid (a solid without sides), you can put the object into __water__.
Start with a graduated cylinder of water. Write down how much water is in it. Then put the object in.
Write down the new amount. Then ___subtract_____! The difference is the mass of the object.