DOES THIS MAKE SENSE TO YOU?

THE METRIC SYSTEM

The metric system is a system of measurement that is based on the number ten

It is often used in science and in countries around the world

Why do we use the metric system?

The metric system can be used to measure mass, volume, length, and temperature

But how is it any different?

The English System (our system) uses feet, ounces, gallons and Fahrenheit

The metric system uses meters, grams, liters and Celsius

LENGTHRuler

WHAT IS LENGTH?

It is the measured distance between two points

Distance between two points

Length can also be referred to as width, height, or distance, depending on how it is used.

A ruler is used to measure distances between objects.

MASSTriple Beam Balance

Mass tells us HOW MUCH matter there is. It is measured in grams.

Example – 5 grams of salt

10 kilograms of feathers

Matter – anything that has mass and takes up space. It is found in three different states.

SolidLiquid

GasExamples:

A Triple Beam Balance is the lab equipment used to measure mass. Measurements are expressed in GRAMS

VOLUMEGraduated Cylinder/Ruler

HOW DOES ONE MEASURE VOLUME?

Volume describes how much SPACE an object takes up. Volume can change depending on the state of matter. Solids and liquids have a constant volume, gases change based on the size of the container

THERE ARE TWO METHODS

Graduated Cylinder Ruler

Used to measure the volume of a liquid OR an irregularly shaped object (like a jagged rock)

Can be used to measuring and then multiplying the length, width, and height of an object.

Volume = L x W x H

TEMPERATUREThermometer

WHAT IS TEMPERATURE?

Temperature is a measure of how much energy an object contains. Measured in °Celsius or Kelvin.

More energy = higher temperature

DENSITY

Density – How much stuff is in a certain amount of space

Objects that are more dense sink to the bottom

Example – Dropping a rock in water- if the rock is MORE dense

than the water, it sinks-if the rock is LESS dense

than the water, it floats

Density cannot be measured by one piece of lab equipment

You need the MASS and the VOLUME

Density = Mass Volume

D = M/V

Units – g/ml OR g/cm3

The Magic Triangle

1. Length

2. Volume

3. Mass

4. Density

5. Temperature

What are… Units Tools

Meter (m) Metric ruler

Liter, cm3 = mLMetric ruler or graduated cylinder

Grams (g) Triple-beam balance

g/ml or g/cm3 Tools for mass &volume

ºC or K thermometer