1. What is Mass and Measuring Mass
Metric System

2. What Is Matter? Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space.
Everything in the universe that you can see is made up of matter.
Then, what is mass?
Mass is the amount of stuff in something.

3. The base unit of mass is the gram.
The prefix “kilo” (k) means 1000 (one thousand),
so 1000 g = 1 kg
The prefix “milli” (m) means 1/1000 ( one-thousandth)
So 1000mg = 1g

4. _______ + ______ + _______ = ________ g
Measuring Mass
We will be using triple-beam balances to find the mass of various objects.
The objects are placed on the balance and then you move the weights on the beams until you get the lines on the right-side of the balance to match up.
Once you have balanced the balance, you add up the amounts on each beam to find the total mass.
What would be the mass of the object measured in the picture?
_______ + ______ + _______ = ________ g
Top Image: Bottom Image:

5. Measuring Mass – Triple-Beam Balance
1st – Place the object to mass on the balance.
2nd – Slide the large weight to the right until the arm drops below the line. Move the rider back one groove. Make sure it “locks” into place.
3rd – Repeat this process with the top weight. When the arm moves below the line, back it up one groove.
4th – Slide the small weight on the front beam until the lines match up.
5th – Add the amounts on each beam to find the total mass to the nearest tenth of a gram.

6. Items to Measure and Their Measurements
Measurement in g
Measurement in mg
Measurement in kg
1. Mass of pencil
2. Mass of cube (oak/aluminum)
3. Mass of scissors
4. Mass of sinker
5. Mass of 600 mL plastic beaker
6. Mass of highlighter 7.