Understanding the Metric System Chapter 1 Biology

Learning Target I will use the correct SI unit of measurement.

Metric System A measurement is a repeatable observation of a quantity including a number and a unitA measurement is a repeatable observation of a quantity including a number and a unit Most scientists around the world use the Metric System, also called the SI or International SystemMost scientists around the world use the Metric System, also called the SI or International System –This provides a way for scientists around the world to communicate about results regardless of native language

Metric System The metric system is a decimal system whose units are multiples of 10.The metric system is a decimal system whose units are multiples of 10. In order to convert from one unit to the next, you need to move the decimal point.In order to convert from one unit to the next, you need to move the decimal point. –Moving the decimal point to the right is the same as multiplying by 10. –Moving the decimal point to the left is the same as dividing by 10.

Metric System Kilo- Hecto - Deca- deci- centi- milli-

Metric System Length is the distance between two points.Length is the distance between two points. The meter is the standard unit of measure for length.The meter is the standard unit of measure for length. Meters are abbreviated as the letter (m).Meters are abbreviated as the letter (m). The prefixes mean:The prefixes mean: –Kilo- = Thousand, so 1km = 1000m –Hecto- = Hundred, so 1hm = 100m –Deca- = Ten, so 1dam = 10m –Deci- = tenth, so 1dm = 1/10m or 0.1m –Centi-= Hundredth, so 1cm = 1/100m or 0.01m –Milli-= Thousandth, so 1mm = 1/1000m or 0.001m –Micro - = Millionth, so 1µm = 1/ m or m

Metric System Mass is the amount of matter in a given object.Mass is the amount of matter in a given object. –Matter is the material that all objects and substances are made of. The gram is the standard unit of measure for mass.The gram is the standard unit of measure for mass. –Gram is abbreviated as the letter (g). A triple beam balance is a tool used to measure mass.A triple beam balance is a tool used to measure mass.

Metric System Volume is the amount of space a solid object or substance takes up.Volume is the amount of space a solid object or substance takes up. The liter is the standard unit of measure for volume.The liter is the standard unit of measure for volume. –Liter is abbreviated as the letter (L). A graduated cylinder is used to measure the space a liquid takes up and is usually written as L or mL.A graduated cylinder is used to measure the space a liquid takes up and is usually written as L or mL. Volume = length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm)Volume = length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm) –The answer is written as cm 3. –1mL equals 1 cm 3

Metric System TimeTime – measures how long it takes for an event to occur second –The second is the standard unit for time Fahrenheit (F)Celsius (C)Kelvin (K)Temperature has 3 different measurements: Fahrenheit (F), Celsius (C), and Kelvin (K) –Kelvin is the standard unit for temperature To convert: –F° = 9/5(C° + 32) –C° =5/9(F° – 32) –K= C° + 273