MEASURING TECHNIQUES
A measurement is a comparison against a
STANDARD UNIT.
3 Standard types of measurements:
Mass (the amount of matter present in
something)
Volume (the amount of space something
takes up)
Length (the distance from one part of the
object to another part)
Standard units (Metric System)
Length: Meter (millimeter, centimeter,
kilometer)
Volume: Liter (milliliter, cubic centimeter)
Mass: Kilogram (gram, milligram)
MAKING MEASUREMENTS:
1) Determine the value of the SMALLEST unit
(line) that the instrument will measure.
Meter stick (ruler):
1 line = 1 millimeter = 0.1 centimeters
Balance (mass):
1 line = 0.1 grams
Graduated cylinder (volume): varies with
capacity of the cylinder
2) Use proper techniques for measuring:
Rulers: Do NOT start measuring from the
beginning of the ruler. Start from the 1
centimeter (10 millimeter) mark.
SUBTRACT 1 cm (or 10 mm) from your
measurement.
Balance: Make sure 100 gram and 10-gram
riders are placed in notches.
Graduated cylinder: Make sure the
meniscus (curve of fluid) is at eye level.
Read the BOTTOM of the meniscus.
3) Estimating decimal places.
Make sure you ESTIMATE one more
decimal place to the right. If the instrument
reads to the 0.1, estimate to the 0.01 place.
4) Filling a cylinder to a specific volume.
Use a beaker and dropper to fill a
GRADUATED CYLINDER.