Basic Scientific Measurements and Measurement Tools

What is the SI system?

the standard measurement system scientists use (the metric system; Système international)

What is the SI base unit for mass?

Kilogram

What is the SI base unit for length?

Meter

Measurement of sound waves?

decibel

What is the SI base unit for time?

Second

What is the SI unit for volume?

Liter

What is volume?

The amount of space something takes up

What is mass?

The amount of material in an object that gives it weight ^{(in a gravitational field; A measurement of inertia)}

What is length?

Measurement of distance from end to end

Is the underlined significant or not significant? State how many sig figs are in this number

0.000067

not significant; 2 sig figs

(leading zeros are never significant)

Is the underlined significant or not significant? State how many sig figs are in this number.

0.00003400

significant; 4 sig figs

(all zeros after a non zero number in a decimal are significant)

Is the underlined significant or not significant? State how many sig figs are in this number.

67000

not significant; 2 sig figs

State how many sig figs are in this number.

502,080

5 sig figs

What is a liter?

Measurement of liquid volume

What does the prefix "kilo" mean?

1,000

What does the prefix "hecta" mean?

100

What does the prefix "deca" mean?

10

What does the prefix "deci" mean?

0.1

What does the prefix "centi" mean?

0.01

What does the prefix "milli" mean?

0.001

What is dimensional analysis?

A method for converting a measurement from one unit to another using conversion factors

What is a conversion factor?

A ratio between units used to change a measurement's unit without changing its value

What tool is used to measure length?

A ruler or meterstick

How do you calculate the volume of a solid?

Multiply length × width × height

What tool most accurately measures large volumes of liquid?

A volumetric flask

What tool most accurately measures small volumes of liquid?

A volumetric pipette

What tool measures a range of liquid volumes but less accurately than a flask or pipette?

A graduated cylinder

What is a meniscus?

The curve formed at the top of a liquid due to its container

How should you read a meniscus when measuring liquid volume?

Read the line level with the center of the curve

What tool is used to measure mass?

A balance (triple-beam or electronic; electronic more accurate)

What are the two types of balances used to measure mass?

Triple-beam balance and electronic balance (electronic more accurate)

Which type of balance is more commonly used?

The electronic balance, since it's easier to use

What unit would you use to measure a person's mass?

Kilograms

What unit would you use to measure a few drops of water?

Milliliters

What unit would you use to measure an insect or fingernail?

Millimeters

What unit would you use to measure the width of a piece of paper?

Centimeters

What unit would you use to measure the height of a door or ceiling?

Meters

What unit would you use to measure the distance between two towns?

Kilometers

Where should you start measuring on a ruler or meterstick?

From the 0 point

On a ruler, what does each small line between centimeters represent?

A millimeter (1/10 of a centimeter)

When to use a vernier scale?

for high precision measurements (exceeds the standard measurement of ruler)