METRIC SYSTEM NOTES
In science class we always use the International System of measurement. For the most part, this
consists of metric measurements. We refer to this system as SI. Why do we call it SI if it’s the
International System? Because a bunch of smart people got together and decided that the world should
have a common means of measurement. This makes things much easier for worldwide communication.
This all took place in France and the term that was decided upon was the System de International (the
French version). That’s why we call it SI and not IS.
I.
Difference between metric and standard (English) system of measurement
A. The English system uses a base of ________
B. The Metric System uses a base of ________
II.
Common metric base units
A. Length
1. Base unit: meter
2. Tool: meter stick/ruler
B. Volume (the amount of space an object takes up)
1. Base unit: liter or cubic meter
2. Tool: graduated cylinder
C. Mass (the amount of matter in an object
1. Base unit: gram
2. Tool: balance
D. Temperature
1. Base unit: degrees Celsius, or Centrigrade
2. Tool: thermometer
3. How do you covert Farenheit to Celsius?
a. 8.6°F is roughly equal to 37°C
III.
Now that we have the base units, we need to know what to do with them.
A. In the metric system, we add a prefix to a base and multiply the number represented by
the prefix by one base unit.
B. The basic units of length, volume and mass can be multiplied or divided by multiples of
10 to measure objects that are bigger or smaller.
C. Add the prefix to the base:
1. Ex: how many grams is 25 kG?
a. Kilo is 1000
b. 25 is 25
c. So this is ________________ grams
2. Since everything is base 10, all you have to do is move the decimal.
Figure 1: Common Metric Abbreviations
Figure 2: Metric Conversion Chart
Convert:
1) 23 mg to dg
2) 45 DL to mL
3) 9966 mm to km