The Metric System The metric systems is used for measurements in science. The metric system is a decimal system that is based upon the number 10. Scientist use metric units to measure length, volume, mass, weight, density and temperature.

Length The basic unit of length in the metric system is the meter. For short distances, centimeters and millimeters are used. 100 centimeters = 1 meter 1000 millimeters = 1 meter 39.4 inches = 1 meter To measure long distances kilometers are used. One kilometer is equal to 1000 meters. In one inch there are 2.54 centimeters.

Volume The volume of an object is the amount of space it takes up. The basic unit of volume is the liter. 1 liter = 1000 milliliters

Mass Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. The basic unit of mass is the kilogram. 1 kilogram (kg) is slightly more than 2 pounds. 1 kg = 1000 grams (g)

Weight Weight is the measure of the attraction between two objects due to gravity. Mass x Gravity = Weight The basic unit of weight is the newton (N). Gravity is the force of attraction. Gravity depends upon the size of the objects and the distance between them. Earth’s gravity is 9.8 m/s/s. Therefore, an object with a mass of 1 kg would have a weight of 9.8 N.

Density Density is the measurement of how much mass is contained in a given volume of an object. Density is defined as mass per unit volume or mass/volume. The units of density are g/cm2. Density can be used to decide if an object will float in water.

Temperature Scientists measure temperature according to the Celsius scale. The fixed points on the scale are Water’s Freezing Point = 0°C Water’s Boiling Point = 100°C