Metric Lesson.notebookUniversal Measurements
measurement system?
It is important that scientists can  communicate with each other.
Es importante que los científicos pueden comunicarse  entre sí.
Vano je da znanstvenici mogu komunicirati jedni s drugima.Croatian
Es ist wichtig, dass die Wissenschaftler können miteinander kommunizieren.German
iu quan trng là các nhà khoa hc có th giao tip vi nhau.Vietnamese 
Inter se communicare possunt esse scientiae est magna.Latin
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
S'Mores Rice Krispy Treats makes 24 squares
Ingredients •    A lot of Rice Krispies Cereal  •    Just a few miniature marshmallows  •    2 dollops of butter  •    A handful of crushed graham cracker pieces  •    A shake of mini chocolate chips   Instructions 1. Spray 11x7 baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.  2. In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Pour in  the marshmallows and heat again for a couple seconds.  Remove and stir. Repeat until marshmallows are melted.  3. Pour in the rice krispie cereal and graham cracker pieces.  Mix together well.  4. Add chocolate chips and gently stir (you want most of the  chips to hold their shape and not to completely melt).   5. Dump the rice krispie treats into a prepared baking pan.  Then wet your hands and flatten treats evenly.  6. Refrigerate for about 25 minutes and cut into 24 squares. 
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
S'Mores Rice Krispie Treats  makes 24 squares
Ingredients •  6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal  •  1 bag (10.5­oz) miniature marshmallows  •  1/4 cup (4 Tbsp) unsalted butter  •  1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker pieces  •  3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (or regular size chocolate chips) Instructions 1. Spray 11x7 baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.  2. In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Pour in  the marshmallows and heat again for a couple seconds.  Remove and stir. Repeat until marshmallows are melted.  3. Pour in the rice krispie cereal and graham cracker pieces.  Mix together well.  4. Add chocolate chips and gently stir (you want most of the  chips to hold their shape and not to completely melt).  5. Dump the rice krispie treats into a prepared baking pan.  Then wet your hands and flatten treats evenly.  6. Refrigerate for about 25 minutes and cut into 24 squares.   
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
What units of measure do you use in  everyday life?
What units of measure have you  used in science investigations in the  past?
Why do you think there is a  difference in the units of measure  used in science?
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
12 inches = 1 foot 36 inches = 1 yard 3 feet = 1 yard 5,280 feet = 1 mile 1,720 yards = 1 mile
16 ounces = 1 pound 2,000 pounds = 1 ton
4 quarts = 1 gallon 2 pints = 1 quart 2 cups = 1 pint
32 degrees = freezing point of water 212 degrees = boiling point of water
Standard Units of measure
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
100 cm = 1 meter 10 mm = 1 cm. 1000 mm = 1 meter 1000 meter = 1 km
1000 grams = 1 kilogram
1000 milliliters = 1 liter
1 cubic cm = 1 milliliter
0 degrees = freezing point of water 100 degrees = boiling point of water
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
*Please Note: Archive articles do not include photos, charts or graphics. More information. <javascript:pop_me_up('http://www.nytimes.com/ref/membercenter/faq/archives1851qa16.html', %20'width=400,height=400,scrollbars=yes,toolbars=no,resizable=yes')>  October 1, 1999, Friday By ANDREW POLLACK (NYT) National Desk Late Edition ­ Final, Section A, Page 1, Column 5, 974 words 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration says confusion over whether measurements were  metric or not led to loss of $125 million spacecraft as it approached Mars says engineers at Lockheed  Martin Corp, which built spacecraft, specified certain measurements about spacecraft's thrust in  pounds, English unit, but NASA scientists thought information was in metric measurement of newtons  resulting miscalculation, undetected for months as craft, Mars Climate Orbiter, was designed, built and  launched, meant it was off course by about 60 miles as it approached Mars it is not known with  certainty what happened to spacecraft.
Discovery Activity­ How Many Shoes? pg 44
1. Estimate how many "shoes" long our classroom is. 2. Trace an outline of your shoe onto a piece of paper.  Cut out your pattern. 3. Use your pattern to measure the length of your  classroom in "shoes." 4. Compare your measurement to those of three  classmates. Did you all measure the same number of  "shoes"?
Reflect: Why is it important that people use standard  units of measurement?
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Universal Measurements
measurement system?
Nature of Science Lesson­ Measurement­­­A Common Language (pg.44­55)
Why do scientists need to use a standard system of measurement? ­­it minimizes confusion among scientists all over the world ______________________. ­­it gives scientists a common language to compare data  and communicate their  scientific results                                                             
The Metric System­a universal system of measurement based on the   number ten. v Developed by scientists in France
Modern scientists use a version of the metric system called the: International System of Units abbreviated as SI
vScientists all over the world use SI units  to measure:  1.length                                        4.  density                   2.volume                                       5. temperature_____3.mass                                         6.   time____ vSI units are based on       multiples of ten    
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Universal Measurements
words?
Prefix Symbol Meaning
kilo­ k 1,000
hecto­ h 100
deka­ da 10
Prefix Symbol Meaning
kilo­ k 1,000
hecto­ h 100
deka­ da 10
Length
Length is   the distance from one point to another          
meter (m)­the basic unit of length in the SI system
a meter is approximately from the tip of the teacher's nose to the tip of their finger
va meter is approximately  five cinder blocks high
va meter is approximately  from the floor to a doorknob
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Universal Measurements
large distances?
centimeter (cm) va centimeter is approximately the width of your little finger, or the width of  a thumb tack, large paperclip, or staple______________ ­­ centi­means  "one hundredth"  (1/100) ­­ a centimeter is 1/100 of a meter
100 centimeters = 1 meter
millimeter (mm) va millimeter is approximately the thickness of a small paperclip or the space  between the teeth of a fine comb ­­ milli­means  "one thousandth"  (1/1000) ­­ a millimeter is 1/1000 of a meter
1000 millimeters= 1 meter kilometer (km) va kilometer is the distance from the front of the school ,out to the traffic  light  and down to Wendy's  ­­ kilo­means "one thousand" (1,000) ­­ a kilometer is 1000 meters                                
__________________________1 kilometer = 1000 meters
Metric Measurement : Length
Background Information Length, or linear distance, is measured in the metric system in meters. Some objects are too small to be measured in meters, so scientists use centimeters (1/100 of a meter) or millimeters (1/1000 of a meter) to express these measurements. Each metric unit is 10 times larger or 10 times smaller then the next unit. The laboratory equipment used for measuring linear distances is the meter stick or metric ruler.
In this investigation you will learn how to accurately measure linear distance and express the measurement in the proper metric unit.
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Metric Measurement : LengthProblem: What is the proper way to use the meter stick and metric
ruler to measure length of different objects?
Materials: (per group) *meter stick *metric ruler * pencil *test tube *meter tape
Procedure: 1. Fill in the guess column first by yourself for Data Table 1. Then with your group using the meter stick or metric ruler, make the measurements of the various objects listed in Data Table 1. Record your measurements to the nearest centimeter in Data Table 1. 2. Convert the measurements from centimeters to meters and then to millimeters. Record these measurements in Data Table 1. 3. Fill in the guess column first by yourself for Data Table 2.Now make the measurements listed in Data Table 2. To measure the distance around a circular object, or its circumference, wrap the meter tape around the object, keeping one end fixed. Have the free end touches the fixed end of the meter tape and record your measurement to the nearest centimeter. 3. Then convert the measurements to the nearest meter, and millimeter in Data Table 2.
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Small Large
Finish the questions  (your conclusions)  for the Length Lab
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Universal Measurements
objects?
a light year ­­ The distance light travels in one year___________________
­­300,000 kilometers per second (186,000 miles per second)
­­ 9.5 trillion kilometers 
1 light year = 9,500,000,000,000 ( the closest star system, after the Sun, is 4 light years away ! )
Mass
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter an object has.   (Matter is how much "stuff" something is made of)
kilogram (kg)— the base unit in the SI system to measure mass.
­ =1000 grams ­ used to measure larger masses.
gram (g)— a large paper clip has a mass of 1 gram.
1000 grams = 1 kilogram
milligram (mg)­­ 1/1000 of a gram­used to find very small masses.
(used to find masses of chemicals in medicines and foods)
                                   1000 milligrams = 1 gram
25.4 kg = _______ G 4530 mg = _______ g
In your notebook complete these problems.
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
EQ: How do scientists find the mass of objects?
Discuss the following questions with your seated partner.
1. What are the units of mass?
2. What tools do you think scientists use to measure mass?
Read the top of pg 49 and pg 152.
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Tool for Measuring Mass The triple beam balance measures mass by comparing the mass you are  measuring to a known mass. 
How are Mass and Weight different?
vmass is often confused with weight
Weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object
vyour weight will change depending on the                             gravity of the object you are on.
(example: you would weigh less on the Moon­ more on Jupiter )  
Volume Volume is the amount of space an object takes up.
liter (L) The basic unit used to find the volume of a liquid. v Soda is sold in 1 ,2, and 3 liter bottles milliliter (mL)1/1000 of a Liter
1000 milliliters = 1 liter
(Newtons)
EQ: How do scientists find the mass of objects?
On a posted note answer the following questions in a sentence.
1. What is the unit of mass?
2. How do scientists find the mass of objects using a triple­beam balance?
Summarizer:
562.4 kg = _______ g 85 mg = _______ g
In your notebook complete these problems.
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Universal Measurements
objects?
69.5 dg = _______ hg 37 hm = _______ cm
In your notebook complete these problems.
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Universal Measurements
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Tool for Measuring Mass The triple beam balance measures mass by comparing the mass you are  measuring to a known mass. 
How are Mass and Weight different?
vmass is often confused with weight
Weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object
vyour weight will change depending on the                             gravity of the object you are on.
(example: you would weigh less on the Moon­ more on Jupiter )  
Volume Volume is the amount of space an object takes up.
liter (L) The basic unit used to find the volume of a liquid. v Soda is sold in 1 ,2, and 3 liter bottles milliliter (mL)1/1000 of a Liter
1000 milliliters = 1 liter
(Newtons)
Universal Measurements EQ: How do scientists
measure the volume of a liquid?
How do scientists measure the volume of a solid?
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Tool for Measuring Mass The triple beam balance measures mass by comparing the mass you are  measuring to a known mass. 
How are Mass and Weight different?
vmass is often confused with weight
Weight is a measure of the force of gravity acting on an object
vyour weight will change depending on the                             gravity of the object you are on.
(example: you would weigh less on the Moon­ more on Jupiter )  
Volume Volume is the amount of space an object takes up.
liter (L) The basic unit used to find the volume of a liquid. v Soda is sold in 1 ,2, and 3 liter bottles milliliter (mL)1/1000 of a Liter
1000 milliliters = 1 liter
(Newtons)
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Tool for measuring liquid volume Scientists often use a graduated cylinder to measure liquid volume. vthe liquid in the graduated cylinder forms a curve called a  meniscus vto read the volume, read the bottom of the meniscus
cubic centimeters ( cc or cm³ ) Used to find the volume of a  rectangular solid va cubic centimeter is a cube that is one centimeter long  on all sides
1 cubic centimeter = 1milliliter = 1gram
To calculate the volume of a rectangular solid use:
To find the volume of an irregularly shaped solid use the water  displacement method
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
3­2­1 Review: 3 things we learned about volume 2 things we learned about mass 1 thing we learned about length
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Universal Measurements
a substance?
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Density ­­ the measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume
                                              Density   =      Mass                                                                     Volume                     ØAn object's density is expressed as a combination of two units
Common units
                        g/cm3                  g/mL (The density of water is 1 g/mL)
Time Øthe second (s) is the SI unit used to measure time
Øa millisecond (ms) is 1/1000 of a second
1  second=1,000  milliseconds 1  minute = 60  seconds 1  hour =  60  minutes
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017 Determining the density of objects using Archimedes principle Physics 223 Dr. Hank Yochum Fall 2000
Remember to switch lab partners LAB ­ Buoyancy
1 g/cc = 1 gram/cm^3
Densities sorted by Material Density Category Material Density (g/cc) ­­­­­­­­ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ Wood Cherry 0.433 Wood Walnut 0.593 Wood Southern Pine 0.65 Wood Red Oak 0.673 Wood Sugar Maple 0.689 Wood Birch 0.705 Wood Mahogony 0.705 Chemical Gasoline 0.721 Chemical Benzene 0.737 Liquid Ethyl Alcohol 0.802 Liquid Methyl Alcohol 0.809 Other Ice 0.897 Other Paraffin 0.898 Liquid Mineral Oil 0.914 Other Paper 0.929 Liquid Vegetable Oil 0.93 Other Leather, common 0.945 Plastic HDPE 0.955 Liquid Water, 100 °C 0.9581 Liquid Water, 4 °C 0.99997 Plastic Polyurethane 1 Liquid Seawater 1.025 Mineral Coal, Coke 1.201 Mineral Coal, Lignite 1.25 Mineral Coal, Bituminous 1.346 Plastic Kevlar 29 1.44 Plastic Kevlar 49 1.44 Plastic Kevlar 149 1.47 Plastic Rubber 1.506 Mineral Coal, Anthracite 1.554 Metal Magnesium, Pure 1.7 Metal Beryllium 1.8477 Metal Beryllium, QMV 1.85 Ceramic Graphite 2.163 Ceramic Quartz Glass 2.2 Ceramic Borosilicate Glass 2.3 Ceramic Glass 2.6 Metal Aluminum 2.643 Ceramic Lead Glass 2.8 Metal Titanium 4.5 Mineral Iron Ore, Magnetite 5.046 Mineral Iron Ore, Hematite 5.206 Ceramic Vanadium Carbide 5.71 Ceramic Zirconia 5.75 Ceramic Y­TZP 6.1 Metal Zirconium 6.3798 Ceramic Zirconium Carbide 6.56 Mineral Tin Ore, cassiterite 6.695 Metal Iron, Ferrosilicon 6.984 Metal Zinc, Cast 7.049 Metal Iron, grey cast 7.079 Metal Iron, Cast, Pig 7.207 Metal Pig Iron 7.207 Metal Tin, cast­hammered 7.352 Mineral Lead Ore, Galena 7.449 Metal Stainless 27Cr 7.47 Metal Iron, Spiegeleisen 7.496 Metal Manganese 7.608 Metal Iron, wrought 7.658 Metal Aluminum bronze 7.702 Metal Bronze, aluminum 7.702 Metal Steel, tool 7.715 Metal Wrought Iron 7.75 Metal Carbon Tool Steel 7.82 Metal Steel, cold­drawn 7.83 Metal Carbon Steel 7.84 Metal Steel, C1020, HR 7.85 Metal Pure Iron 7.86 Metal Soft Steel (0.06% C) 7.87 Metal Stainless 18Cr­8Ni 8.03 Metal Stainless Steel, 304 8.03 Metal Bronze, ~11% Tin 8.1 Metal Brass 8.553 Metal German Silver 8.586 Metal Bronze, phosphor 8.8 Metal Cobalt 8.8 Metal Copper, Pure 8.9 Metal Nickel, Pure 8.9 Metal Copper, cast­rolled 8.906 Metal Molybdenum, wrought 10.3 Metal Silver, Pure 10.5 Metal Silver, Cast­hammered 10.51 Metal Lead 11.37 Metal Thorium, Ind. melted 11.6 Ceramic Hafnium Carbide 12.76 Metal Mercury 13.57 Ceramic Tungsten Carbide 15.7 Ceramic WC / Tungsten Carbide 15.7 Metal Tantalum 16.6 Metal Gold Coin (US) 17.19 Metal Uranium 18.74 Metal Tungsten 18.82 Metal Uranium D38 18.97 Metal Gold, cast­hammered 19.3 Metal Gold, Pure 19.32 Metal Plutonium, alpha phase 19.35 Metal Platinum 21.3 Metal Iridium 22.16 ______________________________ back to physics 223 <phys223_2000_assignments.htm> last updated 9/20/00.
Cool density ­ buoyancy website
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Pre­lab questions    1.  How do you carry a triplebeam balance?
2. Which rider do you move first when using a triplebeam  balance?
3. What is volume? 
4. What is the formula for finding the volume of a rectangular  shaped object?
5. How do you find the volume of an irregular shaped object?
6. What is the formula for calculating density?
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Procedure: 
1. Select one of the objects who density you wish to calculate. Place the  object on a balance and determine it’s mass. Enter the mass in the data  table.
2. Place some water (60mL or 70mL) in the graduated cylinder. Write this  number down on your data sheet.
3. Carefully tilt the graduated cylinder and add the object, being careful not  to lose any water.
4. Tilt the graduated cylinder upright and read the new water level. Write  this number on your data sheet.
5. Then subtract the first waterlevel reading form the second to determine  the volume of the object. Enter this volume in your data table.
6. Repeat this procedure for each remaining object.
7. Use the formula D= M/V to calculate the density of each object you  selected.
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Object Mass (g) First Water  Level  (mL)
Second  Water  Level  (mL)
Volume/ Water  Displaced  (mL)
Analysis and Conclusions:
1. What is the volume of an object whose dimensions are 1.0 cm X  6.0 cm X 2.0 cm? Remember to include the proper units.
2. If the mass of this object is 60 g, what is its density? *Use your  answer from question 1 for volume*
3. Which object is made of the densest material?
4. If an object with a density of 10g/cm3 is cut into two equal pieces,  what is the density of each piece? Why? 
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Temperature ütemperature measures how hot or cold something is üScientists commonly use the Celcius scale (°C) to measure     temperature.   Celsius Scale  ( °C )
Freezing point of water = __0°C___ Boiling point of water = __100°C__
Normal body temperature = __37°C__
Kelvin Scale (°K) üthe Kelvin scale is considered the official SI unit  for measuring temperature ü0°K is considered the coldest temperature possible üit's called Absolute Zero  it equals ­273° C
thermometer­ the tool used to measure temperature
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Metric Debate article.pdf
This slide for teacher information:
Use Metric Debate article to produce a writing assignment based on pros or cons for metric vs.  Imperial measurement
Pre­reading activity:  In groups of 4 make a list of pros and cons for both During reading:  Talk to the text After reading:  Group again Homework graded writing assignment
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
In groups of 4, review how the metric  system differs from the American/Imperial  system of measurement.   List several pros and cons of each. (~ 10 minutes)
Share some with the class.
Read the articles.  
Metric System Pros Cons
American System Pros Cons
Decide which opinion you agree with.
Join with 2 or 3 other students who agree with  the same opinion.
As a group, brainstorm 4 or 5 arguments the  other side would have that you need to defend  against.  By predicting what your opponent  will say, you will be more prepared to defend  your opinion.
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Hwk:  Metric persuasive  "Letter to the Editor"
For a graded writing assignment:
Write a persuasive "Letter to the Editor" to describe  why the United States should or should not use the  metric system.  Use the article as a source, but come  up with your own arguments and reasons.
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
+ 2 + 1 0
Provides  information in  letter that has  some  inaccuracies or  omissions.
Provides  information in  letter that has  many inaccuracies  or omissions.
Class Time Uses class time  appropriately while  working in groups. 
Needs  reminders  to get back on  task.  
Off­task behaviors  frequent.
Includes 3 or more  reasons (facts,  statistics, examples,  real­life experiences)  that support the  opinion.
Includes less  than 3 reasons  (facts,  statistics,  examples, real­ life  experiences)  that support the  opinion.
Includes no good  reasons (facts,  statistics,  examples,  real­life  experiences) that  support the  opinion.
Mechanics
Letter contains few to  no fragments, run­on  sentences rare errors  or mechanical mistakes.
Letter contains  a few   fragments, run­ on sentences a  few errors or  mechanical  mistakes.
Writing contains  mechanical  mistakes is  marred  by many errors.
Metric Lesson.notebook October 30, 2017
Attachments
Metric Debate article.pdf
NO, LET’S KEEP AMERICA AMERICAN BY NICK BRUNT Paul Smith, NY
I am an American and proud of it. America is the greatest country in the world. We are emulated by other countries in just about every respect. So why should we change our method of measurement? Because people have 10 fingers is a very poor reason to base all weights and measures on the number 10. I do my math with my brain, not my fingers. If you can’t multiply or divide any number other than 10, you are sadly in need of a remedial course in arithmetic, not a new measurement system. The metric system is a product of the French Revolution, a period when bloodthirsty French peasants beheaded most of the scientists and technical people simply because they were part of the aristocracy. That kind of behavior is hardly indicative of stable, rational thought. It’s no wonder that some peasants in the middle of Paris saying that all measurement will be based on the number 10 spawned a measurement system that leaves a lot to be desired. The meter is one-ten-millionth of the distance between the North Pole and the equator along the Greenwich meridian. Now there’s a practical unit if I ever saw one! And so easy to calibrate too. Some critics of the metric system say that the original measurement of the circumference of the Earth to determine the meter was inaccurate to begin with and has never been corrected. At one point, they even had a metric time system and a metric calendar. Both were so unwieldy that even the French revolutionaries couldn’t stand to use them and they were dropped. Canada converted 25 years ago. Suddenly, citizens raised within the British Imperial system had to convert to metrics. Why? Has life in Canada radically improved because of the country’s conversion? I don’t think so. I have always considered the metric system somewhat of a joke. It like measuring objects with a string that has knots for measuring points. Yes, the string gives a little, but who cares? It’s good enough. That’s the metric system. It’s not very precise, but who cares? It’s easy because you can multiply and divide by 10. It’s interesting to note that Airbus Industrie, a Europe-based manufacturer of some of the world’s most advanced passenger aircraft, such as the A320 and A34, use the American system of measurement because it’s more accurate.
Here is my closing thought about the American system of measurement. Our ancestors designed it. It was good enough for them. It allowed the United States to become the most technologically advanced country in the world. And it’s good enough for me. If you want to use the metric system, go live in a country that uses it. Leave our system alone.
Kitchen Equivalent Chart
Common Units of Mass and Weight
1 pound = 453.59 grams = 0.45359 kilograms 1 kilogram = 1000 grams = 2.205 pounds 1 gram = 10 decigrams = 100 centigrams = 1000 milligrams 1 atomic mass unit = 1.6605 x10-24 gram 1 short ton = 200 pounds = 907.2 kilograms 1 long ton = 2240 pounds 1 metric tonne = 1000 kilograms = 2205 pounds
Common Units of Length and Volume
1 mile = 5280 feet = 1.609 kilometers 1 yard = 36 inches = 0.9144 meter 1 meter = 100 cm = 39.7 inches = 3.281 feet = 1.094 yards 1 kilometer = 1000 meters = 1094 yards = 0.6215 mile 1 Angstrom = 1.0 x 10-8 centimeter = 0.10 nanometer 100 picometers = 1.0 x 10-10 meter = 3.937 x 10-9 inch 1 quart = 0.9643 liter 1 liter = 1.0567 quarts 1 liter = 1 cubic decimeter = 1000 cubic centimeters 1 millimeter = 1 cm3 = 0.001 liter = 1.056 x 10-3 quart
POPULAR MECHANICS – September 1996
YES, AMERICA NEEDS TO BE METRIFIED BY RICHARD BONNER Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
I am sorry that you and your countrymen have not learned and used the metric system to a point where you would like it. Canada switched 25 years ago and our company, Atlantic Illumination, went metric a few years afterward. To acquaint our employees with the new system, we removed all obsolete measuring tapes and replaced them with metric only, painted over the inches side on our meter sticks and used lacquer thinner to remove Fahrenheit degrees on thermometers. I would never go back to the old, annoying, tedious Imperial or American system. By the way, it is called the Imperial system because it’s a royal pain to use. Did you know that a bushel of wheat is a different size from a bushel of cranberries? Did you know that a barrel of oil is a different size from a barrel of vinegar? There are three different-length miles. Two different-size ounces and four different-weight tons. This doesn’t even take into account that the American and Imperial system measures are not the same size, yet they use the same nomenclature. This is very confusing for trade between the United States and any other country in the world, especially Canada, America’s most important trading partner. For that reason, U.S. industry is now metric. It’s only the general public that clings to the old system for measurement. It’s a metric world. Gas and milk are sold by the liter. Odometers, speedometers and road signs are all in kilometers. Soft drinks are sold by the milliliter. Grocery- product weights are in grams. Deli scales are in grams. Temperature is in centigrade. Rainfall is measured in millimeters. Barometric and tire pressure are in kilopascals. I buy 35 mm slide film, which is placed in 50 mm mounts. I am 178 cm tall and weigh 80 kilograms. This is everywhere in the world except in the United States. Even that is changing though. Look at your grocery shelves. Just about all products now have both metric and American measurements, and many have only metric. Most soft drinks are now sold by the liter. Film has long been sold by the millimeter. With metric, all size names are equal. A liter is a liter, regardless of what in it. Only one number is needed to
convert: 10. One millimeter equals 1 cubic centimeter, 1 cubic centimeter of water weighs 1 gram. Also, 1000 cubic centimeters equal 1000 milliliters equal 1 liter. And 1 liter of water weights 1 kilogram. What could be easier? It’s all ones and zeroes. Can you imagine if the American currency system was like our measurement system with six pennies to the nickel, three nickels to the dime, four dimes to the quarter and five quarters to the dollar? A calculator would be required every time you shop, just as you are forcing me to keep a calculator on hand every time I read POPULAR MECHANICS. Fortunately for Americans, your monetary system is based on 10, just like the metric system. The United States is known for having the best of everything and for leadership in technology and innovation, except for the American measurement system, which is old hat and bottom of the barrel. How can you have the best of everything and yet the worst measurement system? I’ll wager that you probably se a word processor. Would you go back to a manual typewriter? Do you still drive a horse and buggy? No, because the automobile is a better idea. So is the metric system. Learn to use it. Get comfortable with it and you will love it.
SI Fundamental Units
Physical Quantity Name of Unit Symbol
Length meter m Mass kilogram kg Time second s Temperature kelvin K Amount of Substance mole mol Electric current ampere A Luminous intensity candela cd
Traditional Metric and SI Prefixes
Factor Prefix Symbol Factor Prefix Symbol
1012 tera T 10-1 deci- d 109 giga G 10-2 centi- c 106 mega M 10-3 milli- m
103 kilo k 10-6 micro- 102 hecto h 10-9 nano- n 101 deka da 10-12 pico- p 10-15 femto- f 10-18 atto- a
POPULAR MECHANICS – September 1996
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