Scientific Measurement Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, units, and instruments presented in the Scientific Measurement lecture.

Measurement

A quantity that includes both a number and a unit; fundamental to experimental science.

International System of Units (SI)

The modern, revised metric system serving as the standard set of measurement units used in science.

SI base unit

One of the seven fundamental units in SI from which all other units are derived (meter, kilogram, second, kelvin, mole, ampere, candela).

Meter (m)

SI base unit of length.

Kilogram (kg)

SI base unit of mass.

Second (s)

SI base unit of time.

Kelvin (K)

SI base unit of temperature.

Mole (mol)

SI base unit that measures amount of substance.

Ampere (A)

SI base unit of electric current.

Candela (cd)

SI base unit of luminous intensity.

Mass

A measure of the amount of matter in an object; constant regardless of location and gravity.

Weight

The force exerted by gravity on an object's mass; varies with gravitational field.

Volume

The amount of space an object or substance occupies; measured in cubic meters, liters, etc.

Density (ρ)

Physical property defined as mass divided by volume; constant for a given substance.

Displacement method

Technique for finding volume of an irregular solid by measuring how much fluid it displaces.

Formula triangle (D-M-V)

Visual aid showing relationships: D = M ÷ V, M = D × V, V = M ÷ D.

Qualitative data

Descriptive, non-numerical information collected in an investigation.

Quantitative data

Numerical information obtained from measurements.

Hand span

Ancient length unit based on the distance between outstretched thumb and little finger.

Fathom

Ancient length unit equal to the span of both arms outstretched, roughly 6 feet.

Cubit

Ancient length unit from elbow to tip of middle finger, about 18 inches.

Foot (historical)

Ancient unit of length originally based on the length of a human foot; now standardized to 0.3048 m.

Graduated cylinder

Tall, narrow container with volume markings used to measure liquid volume accurately.

Volumetric flask

Laboratory flask calibrated to contain a precise volume at a particular temperature.

Beaker

Simple laboratory container used for holding, mixing or roughly measuring liquids.

Balance

Instrument that measures mass by comparing an unknown mass to known masses.

Micrometer

Precision tool used to measure very small lengths or thicknesses, typically to 0.001 mm.

Calipers

Instrument with two adjustable jaws used to measure internal or external dimensions.

Roll meter

Flexible measuring tape wound on a reel, used to measure length or distance.

Ruler

Straightedge marked with units for measuring short lengths.

Thermometer

Device that measures temperature.

pH meter

Electronic instrument that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Voltmeter

Instrument used to measure electric potential difference (voltage).

Ammeter

Instrument used to measure electric current.

Barometer

Instrument that measures atmospheric pressure.

Anemometer

Instrument that measures wind speed.

Sound level meter

Device that measures intensity of sound (decibels).

Kilowatt-hour (KWH) meter

Device that measures electrical energy consumption over time.

Theodolite

Precision instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, used in surveying.

Dial indicator

Mechanical device that measures small distances or variations in height with a dial readout.