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Chapter 2: Problem 5

How does a quantity differ from a unit? Use two examples to explain the difference.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A quantity is what you measure, like length or mass. A unit is how you express the measurement, like meters or kilograms.

Step by step solution

01

- Define a Quantity

A quantity is a property that can be measured or quantified. Examples of quantities include length, mass, time, and temperature. It answers the question 'How much?'
02

- Define a Unit

A unit is a standard measurement of a quantity, providing a way to express the magnitude of that quantity. Examples of units include meters for length, kilograms for mass, seconds for time, and degrees Celsius for temperature.
03

- Example 1: Length

Consider the quantity 'length'. To measure length, we use units such as meters or feet. For instance, saying '5 meters' combines the quantity (length) with the unit (meters) to give a meaningful measurement.
04

- Example 2: Mass

Another example is the quantity 'mass'. To measure mass, units like kilograms or pounds are used. For example, '10 kilograms' combines the quantity (mass) with the unit (kilograms) to give a meaningful measurement.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

measuring quantities
When we talk about measuring quantities, we are referring to determining the size, amount, or degree of a particular property. Quantities include physical aspects like length, mass, time, and temperature.
For instance, if you want to know how long a piece of string is, you could measure its length. Measuring quantities helps us compare, analyze, and understand the world around us.
Quantities are important because they allow us to answer the question, 'How much?' Whether you're checking the weight of groceries or timing a running lap, knowing the quantity involved is crucial.
units of measurement
Units of measurement are the standards we use to express and compare quantities. By using units, we can communicate measurements clearly and universally.
There are different units for different types of quantities:
  • For length, we might use meters or feet.
  • For mass, kilograms or pounds.
  • For time, we use seconds, minutes, or hours.
  • For temperature, degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Units give context to quantities, making the measurement meaningful. For example, just saying '5' is not informative, but saying '5 meters' makes it clear you are talking about length.
metric system
The metric system is a standardized system of measurement used globally. It is based on the meter for length, the kilogram for mass, and the second for time. This system is widely used because it is simple and scalable. It uses increments of ten, making conversions straightforward.
For example:
  • 1 meter = 100 centimeters
  • 1 kilogram = 1,000 grams
  • 1 liter = 1,000 milliliters

The metric system helps maintain consistency and reduces confusion in scientific, educational, and everyday activities.
scientific measurement
Scientific measurement is precise and uses well-defined units to ensure accuracy and repeatability. Scientists rely on systematic measurement to gather reliable data and draw valid conclusions.
Key elements of scientific measurement include:
  • Using calibrated instruments like rulers, scales, and thermometers.
  • Standard units like meters, kilometers, kilograms, and seconds from the metric system.
  • Representing measurements with appropriate precision, often using decimals.

Whether measuring the speed of light or the mass of a molecule, scientific measurements provide the foundation for understanding and advancing knowledge.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

An object has a mass of 57.6 \(\mathrm{g} .\) Find the object's density, given that its volume is 40.25 \(\mathrm{cm}^{3} .\)

What are ISO 9000 standards? How do they affect industry on an international level?

The density of gold is 19.3 \(\mathrm{g} / \mathrm{cm}^{3}\) . a. What is the volume, in cubic centimeters, of a sample of gold that has a mass of 0.715 \(\mathrm{kg}\) ? b. If this sample of gold is a cube, what is the length of each edge in centimeters?

The following numbers are in scientific notation. Write them in ordinary notation. a. \(7.050 \times 10^{3} \mathrm{g}\) b. \(4.00005 \times 10^{7} \mathrm{mg}\) c. \(2.3500 \times 10^{4} \mathrm{mL}\)

A student calculates the density of iron as 6.80 \(\mathrm{g} / \mathrm{cm}^{3}\) by using lab data for mass and volume. A handbook reveals that the correct value is 7.86 \(\mathrm{g} / \mathrm{cm}^{3} .\) What is the percentage error?
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