How Can You Measure Matter?

To measure matter, systems of standard units have been developed. A standard unit is a unit of measure that people agree to use, such as the inch, pound, yard, and gallon. These are units in the English system, which is mostly used in the United States.

Most other countries and all scientists use standard units in the metric system. The metric system is based on units of 10. For example, 1 meter (m) is divided into 100 centimeters (cm). A meter is a bit longer than a yard. One centimeter is about the width of your little fingers nail. The table on the next page shows you how different units in the metric system compare to one another.

Comparing Metric Units

Matter can be described by certain measurements. They include length, area, and volume.

Length tells you the number of units that fit along one edge on an object. In the metric system, units of length are based on the meter. Lengths in the English system are based on the yard. One yard equals 36 inches, or 3 feet.

Which units you use depends on what you are measuring. You wouldnt measure the length of a butterfly wing in meters. You wouldnt measure the floor of your room in inches.

Some Examples of Lengths

Area (AYReeuh) is a measurement that describes the number of unit squares that cover a surface. Area is measured in units such as square centimeters or square inches. An easy way to find the area of a rectangular object is to multiply its length by its width.

How can you find the area of an irregular shape? First, divide it into smaller shapes. Then, find the area of each shape. You might need to estimate the parts of shapes. Add the area of each shape to find the total area.

Volume (VAHLyewm) describes how much space an object takes up. It measures the number of cubes that can fit in an object. Solids are measured in units such as cubic centimeters or cubic inches. To find the volume of a solid rectangle, multiply its length by its width and its height.

You can also measure the volume of a liquid. In the metric system, it is measured in units called liters (L). One liter is made up of 1,000 milliliters (mL). One mL of a liquid takes up the same amount of space as a 1-cm cube.

You can use water to measure the volume of a solid. First, measure some water. Then, completely submerge the object. Subtract the original water level from the new water level. The water level rises by the exact volume of the object.

Use Water to Measure the Volume of an Irregularly Shaped SolidHow can you use a graduated cylinder and water to measure the volume of a rock?

What are three measurements of matter you can make?Answer the questionWith a partnerIn your Learning Notebook

Using Graphic SourcesHow many centimeters are in one meter?How many meters are in one decameter?How many meters would it take to equal one hectometer?How long is a giant squid?Which is longer a python snake or a football field?By how many feet?

lengthThe number of units that fit along one edge of an object.

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areaThe number of unit squares that fit inside a surface.

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volumeThe amount of space an object takes up.

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