Ch. 16: Using Units of Measure

Vocabulary:metric system, meter, centimeter,

millimeter, kilometer, gram, kilogram, liter, milliliter, degree Celsius

Metric Versus Standard

• There are two different ways to measure things used around the world: standard measurements and metric measurements.

• Standard measurements use inches, feet, gallons, and pounds.

• Standard measurements are used in the United States for everyday measurements.

• Scientists and other countries use the metric system for measurements in order to compare data without having to convert it to standard measurements.

Metric Units of Measure

• The metric system is a system of measurement based on the number 10.

• Each step up is 10 times the last step.• The metric system uses prefixes to show how

different numbers are related to each other.• These prefixes are used with all measurements• For example:• One millimeter is one-thousandth of a meter.• One kilogram is one thousand grams.

Metric Units of Measure

Prefix Meaning

kilo- (k) one thousand

hecto- (h) one hundred

deca- (D) ten

deci- (d) one-tenth

centi- (c) one-hundredth

milli- (m) one-thousandth

Units of Length

• The meter is the basic unit of length in the metric system.

• A meter is a little bigger than 3 feet (1 yard).

• You can use a meter stick to measure meters.

• A meter stick is exactly 1 meter long.

Metric Units of Length

1 centimeter = 10 millimeters

1 meter = 100 centimeters

1 meter = 1000 millimeters

1 kilometer = 1000 meters

Units of Mass

• The gram is the basic unit of length in the metric system.

• A gram weighs about as much as a paper clip.

• You can use a pan balance to measure mass by placing the object you are curious about on one side, and gram weights on the other side.

Metric Units of Mass

1 centigram = 10 milligrams

1 gram = 100 centigrams

1 gram = 1000 milligrams

1 kilogram = 1000 grams

Units of Volume• The liter is the basic unit of volume

for a liquid in the metric system.• A liter is a little bigger than 1 quart

(1/2 gallon).• Liters are usually divided into

milliliters.• A milliliter just about fills a small

eyedropper.• Graduated cylinders are designed to

measure milliliters.Metric Units of Volume

1 centiliter = 10 milliliters

1 liter = 100 centiliters

1 liter = 1000 milliliters

1 kiloliter = 1000 liters

Units of Temperature

• Temperature is measured in degrees.

• In the United States we use the Fahrenheit scale. (°F)

• Other countries use degrees Celsius. (°C)

• Water boils at 100°C.• Water freezes at 0°C.

Fahrenheit Celsius

Questions About Chapter 16

1. What are the two most common units of volume?

2. Which unit would be best for measuring the length of a room?

3. Which unit would best for determining your mass?

4. At what temperature Celsius does water freeze?

5. Finish this equation:

1 centimeter = _____ meters