S.4.1 — USE BASIC SCIENTIFIC MEASUREMENTS AND MEASUREMENT TOOLS

This objective includes, but is not limited to, the following examples of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Describe concepts of the metric system, including units of measurement and conversions. Identify the unit of measurement in a model (diagram, illustration, photograph, graph). Identify the numerical value of a measurement of an object. Select the tool necessary to measure volume, mass, or length of an object. Choose a scale unit appropriate for the object being measured. Accuracy in measuring, recording, and diagramming data are important skills. This TEAS task focuses on scientific measurements, scale, and tools. You will need to identify measurement tools and be able to measure volume, mass, and length. You will also need to understand and convert units involved in measuring large and small quantities of objects and substances.

kilo

1000

hecta

100

deca

10

deci

0.1

centi

0.01

milli

0.001

micro

0.0001

Scientists use the ______ system, or ______, to measure and record data.

metric

Système Internationale (SI)

SI unit for mass

kilogram

SI unit for length

meter

SI unit for time

second

SI unit for volume

liter (cm³)

The most accurate tool in measuring large volumes is a ________.

volumetric flask

The most accurate tool in measuring small volumes is a ________.

volumetric pipette

__________ can also be used to measure a range of volumes in the laboratory, but they are less accurate than volumetric flasks or pipettes.

Graduated cylinders

Remember that liquids form a ___________ in a measuring tool. A __________ is the curve formed at the top of a liquid in response to its container.

meniscus

The meniscus curve can be upward (concave), downward (convex), or flat, depending on the properties of the liquid and the container. When measuring the volume of a liquid, make sure that the line you are reading is even with the _______ of the meniscus.

center

_________ are used to measure the mass of an object.

Balances

The _______ is the amount of matter in an object.

mass

There are two types of balances used to measure mass: the _________ balance and ________ balance. The _______ balance is more common because it is easier to use.

triple-beam

electronic

electronic

Large items with a large mass would likely be measured using ________.

kilograms (kg)

It is more efficient to say a person has a mass of 75 kg than to say a person has a mass of ________ grams.

75,000

Measuring a few drops of water would make more sense in ______ than liters.

milliliters

The distance between two towns can be measured in ___________.

kilometers (km)

The height of a door or a ceiling should be measured in _______.

meters

Small things like insects and fingernails should be measured in __________.

millimeters

Which of the following values is appropriate for the height an adult human?

• 1.5 mm

• 1.5 cm

• 1.5 m

• 1.5 km

1.5 m

Which of the following is the meaning of the prefix “kilo”?

• 1,000

• 100

• 0.01

• 0.001

1000

Which of the following tools could be used to measure the volume of a liquid sample?

• Triple-beam balance

• Flask

• Meterstick

• Ruler

flask

A block of ice has a height of 10 cm, a width of 5 cm, and a length of 5 cm. What is the volume in cubic centimeters of the substance?

250 cm³

Two students measure the distance from one end of the school building to the other. One student measures a length of 2 km, and the other student measures a length of 200 cm. Which student most likely measured incorrectly? Why?

200 cm (far too small)