What is the metric system? CN

The metric system is a system of measurement that uses the ______, ______, and ______ as the base units of length (distance), capacity (volume), and weight (mass), respectively.

• meter, liter, gram

• inch, gallon, pound

• foot, pint, ounce

• yard, quart, stone

Answer explanation

The metric system uses the meter for length, the liter for volume, and the gram for mass. These are the standard base units, making 'meter, liter, gram' the correct choice compared to the other options.

It is important that all scientists use a common system because:

• it allows for clear communication and comparison of results.

• it makes experiments more expensive.

• it limits scientific discovery.

• it only benefits scientists in one country.

Answer explanation

The correct choice emphasizes that a common system enables scientists to communicate clearly and compare their results effectively, which is essential for collaboration and advancing scientific knowledge.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

What is the base unit for measuring mass in the metric system?

• Grams

• Liters

• Meters

• Seconds

Answer explanation

The base unit for measuring mass in the metric system is grams. Liters measure volume, meters measure length, and seconds measure time, making grams the correct choice for mass.

What is the base unit for measuring volume in the metric system?

• Liters

• Meters

• Grams

• Seconds

Answer explanation

The base unit for measuring volume in the metric system is liters. Meters measure length, grams measure mass, and seconds measure time, making liters the correct choice for volume.

What is the base unit for measuring length in the metric system?

• Meters

• Liters

• Grams

• Seconds

Answer explanation

The base unit for measuring length in the metric system is meters. Liters measure volume, grams measure mass, and seconds measure time, making meters the correct choice for length.

What is the base unit for measuring time in the metric system?

• Seconds

• Minutes

• Hours

• Days

Answer explanation

The base unit for measuring time in the metric system is the second. It is the standard unit used for scientific and everyday time measurement, while minutes, hours, and days are larger units derived from seconds.

What is mass?

• The amount of energy in an object

• The amount of matter in an object

• The amount of light in an object

• The amount of space in an object

Answer explanation

Mass is defined as the amount of matter in an object, which determines its resistance to acceleration and its gravitational attraction. The other options refer to energy, light, and space, which are not definitions of mass.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

The unit for volume is _________ if you are conducting water displacement.

• mm

• L

• mL

• m

Answer explanation

The correct unit for volume when conducting water displacement is mL (milliliters). This unit is commonly used for measuring small volumes of liquids, making it suitable for this method.

What instrument is used to measure mass?

• Thermometer

• Ruler

• Digital balance

• Stopwatch

Answer explanation

A digital balance is the correct instrument for measuring mass, as it provides precise weight measurements. In contrast, a thermometer measures temperature, a ruler measures length, and a stopwatch measures time.

What is the amount of space that an object occupies called?

• Mass

• Volume

• Density

• Area

Answer explanation

The amount of space an object occupies is called its volume. Mass refers to the amount of matter, density is mass per unit volume, and area measures the surface extent. Therefore, the correct answer is volume.