Making Measurements

International System of Measurements Used by scientists around the world Also known as the metric system Based on multiples of ten

Common Prefixes Prefix Symbol Meaning Kilo- k 1,000 Hecto- h 100 Deka- da 10 Deci- d 0.1 (one tenth) Centi- c 0.01 (one hundredth) Milli- m 0.001 (one thousandth)

Length The distance between two points SI unit is the METER Tools used include a meter stick or ruler Light-year Unit used for long distances in outer space It is the distance light travels in a year A measurement of distance NOT time

Volume The amount of space something takes up SI unit is the LITER Tools used include graduated cylinder

Mass The amount of matter in object SI unit is the GRAM Tools used include a balance

Density The mass per unit of volume; mass divided by volume Expressed in g/cm3 for solids and g/mL for liquids and gases

Temperature SI uses the Celsius scale – measured in degrees Celsius Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius and boils at 100 degrees Celsius Fahrenheit can be converted to Celsius C=(F-32) * 5/9

Time Measured in seconds (and minutes, hours, years, etc.)