Helps Scientists Share and Compare Observations and Results

International System of Units (SI)

Helps scientists share and compare observations and results

Based on the number 10

Makes it easy to convert from one unit to another

LENGTH

Definition~ the distance from one end of an object to the other end

Tool Used or formula~ ruler, meter stick, trundle wheel

How is it measured~ place the ruler's zero mark on the end of the object and read where the object stops

SI Unit~ meter (m)

VOLUME

Regular Solid Object

Definition~the amount of space taken up by an object with a regular shape

Tool Used or formula~ Volume = length x width x height

How is it measured~ use a ruler to measure the dimensions, then calculate

SI Unit~ m3

Liquid

Definition~ the amount space occupied by a liquid

Tool Used or formula~ Graduated cylinder

How is it measured~ pour liquid into a graduated cylinder and read the bottom of the meniscus

SI Unit~Liter (L)

Irregular Solid Objects

Definition~ the amount of space occupied by an irregular object

Tool Used or formula~Graduated cylinder or overflow can

How is it measured~ (Water displacement)

1. Pour liquid into a graduated cylinder and read the bottom of the meniscus.

2. Place object in the graduated cylinder and read the bottom of the meniscus.

3. Subtract the volume of the just the liquid from the volume of the object and the liquid

SI Unit~ m3

MASS

Definition~the amount of matter that something is made of

Tool Used or formula~ Triple beam balance

How is it measured~ after placing the object on the pan, move the sliders until it is balanced

SI Unit~ kilograms (kg)

WEIGHT

Definition~the measure of the gravitational force exerted on an object

Tool Used or formula~ scale

How is it measured~place the object on the scale, read the scale

SI Unit~ newton (N)

DENSITY

Definition~the amount of mass for a given volume

Tool Used or formula~ density= mass/volume

How is it measured~ find needed measurements, then calculate (derived quantity)

SI Unit~ g/cm3

TEMPERATURE

Definition~the measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in an object

Tool Used or formula~ thermometer

How is it measured~ place thermometer in or on the object, then read the number next to the highest part of the liquid in the thermometer

SI Unit~ Kelvin (K) but use Celsius (C) more often

Prefix / Kilo- / Hecto- / Deka- / Base / Deci- / Centi- / Milli-
Abbreviation / k / h / dk / m,L,g / d / c / m

Multiply by 10 

 Divide by 10