Metrics

Advantages of using the metric system include:

Based on the number ten

Used worldwide

Is a decimal system

Easy to convert

Has prefixes Kilo, Hecto, Deka, Deci, Centi, Milli

Base Units1. Meter —Measures Length

a. Tool — ruler or meter stick

2. Liter — measures volume (the amount of space an object takes up)

a. Tool — graduated cylinder

b. An irregular shaped object uses the displacement method

c. A Ruler is also used to measure volume.

Volume = Length x Width x Height

**** 1 ml = 1 cm 3

The correct units for volume are:

For liquids: L (liter) or mL (milliliter)

For solids: cm3

Base Units Continued

3. Gram — measures mass (the amount of matter in an object)

a. Tool — triple beam balance

Other Metric Measurements

1. Newtons—measures weight (how much gravity is pulling on an object)

Tool — spring scale

2. Celsius - Measures temperature

Tool — thermometer

Boling point of water = 100°C

Freezing point of water = 0°C

Body temperature = 37°C

Conversion Practice A mnemonic device to help you remember the

order of the steps of the prefixes:

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Metrics