Measuring Matter

6 Beta 2014

Measuring Matter

Which weighs more, a pound of feathers or a pound of sand?

They both weigh the same, 1 pound.

Measuring Matter

Weight

Is a measure of the force of gravity on you

Mass

Is the measurement of the amount of matter in an object

Measuring Matter

Mass is a physical property

Mass does not change with location, even when the force of gravity on an object changes

Scientists prefer to measure matter by its mass versus its weight

Measuring Matter

Units of Mass

When measuring the properties of matter scientists use a system call the International System of Units (SI)

The SI Unit of Mass is the kilogram (kg)

Measuring Matter

Equating Units of Mass

1 kg = 1000 g

1 g = 0.001 kg

Measuring Matter

Volume Is the amount of space

that matter occupies Common units of

volume: liter (L), milliliter (mL), and cubic centimeter (cm3)

Units of Volume 1 L = 1000 mL 1 mL = 0.001 L 1 mL = 1 cm3

Measuring Matter

Calculating Volume

Volume = Length x Width x Height

Measuring Matter

Density

It relates the mass of a material in a given volume

It is a physical property of a substance

Density = Mass / Volume

Measuring Matter

Sinking or Floating?

Density of water is 1 g/cm3

Objects with densities greater than that of water will sink

Objects with densities less that that of water will float

Measuring Matter

Example:

A solid block of wood floats while a solid block of iron sinks