Understanding the Metric System Chapter 1 Biology Learning

Understanding the Metric System Chapter 1 Biology

Learning Target • I will use the correct SI unit of measurement.

Metric System • A measurement is a repeatable observation of a quantity including a number and a unit • Most scientists around the world use the Metric System, also called the SI or International System – This provides a way for scientists around the world to communicate about results regardless of native language

Metric System • The metric system is a decimal system whose units are multiples of 10. • In order to convert from one unit to the next, you need to move the decimal point. – Moving the decimal point to the right is the same as multiplying by 10. – Moving the decimal point to the left is the same as dividing by 10.

Metric System Kilo- Hecto- Decadeci- centi- milli-

Metric System • • Length is the distance between two points. The meter is the standard unit of measure for length. Meters are abbreviated as the letter (m). The prefixes mean: – – – – Kilo. Hecto. Deca. Deci. Centi. Milli. Micro - = Thousand, so 1 km = 1000 m = Hundred, so 1 hm = 100 m = Ten, so 1 dam = 10 m = tenth, so 1 dm = 1/10 m or 0. 1 m = Hundredth, so 1 cm = 1/100 m or 0. 01 m = Thousandth, so 1 mm = 1/1000 m or 0. 001 m = Millionth, so 1µm = 1/1000000 m or 0. 0000001 m

Metric System • Mass is the amount of matter in a given object. – Matter is the material that all objects and substances are made of. • The gram is the standard unit of measure for mass. – Gram is abbreviated as the letter (g). • A triple beam balance is a tool used to measure mass.

Metric System • Volume is the amount of space a solid object or substance takes up. • The liter is the standard unit of measure for volume. – Liter is abbreviated as the letter (L). • A graduated cylinder is used to measure the space a liquid takes up and is usually written as L or m. L. • Volume = length (cm) x width (cm) x height (cm) – The answer is written as cm 3. – 1 m. L equals 1 cm 3

Metric System • Time – measures how long it takes for an event to occur – The second is the standard unit for time • Temperature has 3 different measurements: Fahrenheit (F), (F) Celsius (C), (C) and Kelvin (K) – Kelvin is the standard unit for temperature • To convert: – F° = 9/5(C° + 32) – C° =5/9(F° – 32) – K= C° + 273