Unit 01 - Measurements and Units
Unit 01 - Measurements and Units
2018-20
Year 09-11
10M
number unit (m is the symbol for metre)
► When you make a measurement, you might get a result like
the one above: a distance of 10m. The complete
measurement is called a physical quantity. It is made up of
two parts: a number and a unit.
► 10m really means 10 X m (ten times metre), just as in
algebra, 10x means 10 X x (ten times x). You can treat the m
just like a symbol in an algebraic equation. This is important
when combining units.
1.1 – Length and Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 10
Combining units !
Advanced Units
► In the diagram above, the girl cycles 10 5 m/s is a space-saving
metres in 2 s. So she travels 5 metres way of writing
every second. Her speed is 5 metres per m
second. To work out the speed, you divide 5
s
the distance travelled by the time taken, 1
But 5 m equals 5m .
like this: s s
speed = 10 m (s is the symbol for second) Also, 1 can be written
2s s
► As m and s can be treated as algebraic as s-1.
symbols: So the speed can be
10 m m
speed = • =5 written as 5 ms-1.
2 s s This method of
► To save space, 5 m is usually written as showing units is more
5m/s. s common in advanced
► So m/s is the unit of speed. work.
1.1 – Length and Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 10
Bigger or Smaller
► You can make a unit bigger or smaller by putting an extra symbol, called
a prefix, in front. (Below, W stands for watt, a unit of power.)
Prefix Meaning Example Powers of 10
G (giga) 1 000 000 000 (109) GW (gigawatt) 1000 = 10 X 10 X 10 = 103
M (mega) 1 000 000 (106) MW (megawatt) 100 – 10 X 10 = 102
k (kilo) 1 000 (103) km (kilometre) 0.1 = 1 = 10-1
d (deci) 1 (10-1) dm (decimetre) 10
10 0.1 = 1 = 1 = 10-1
c (centi) 1 (10-2) cm (centimetre) 10 102
100 0.001 = 1 = 1 = 10-3
m (milli) 1 (10-3) mm (millimetre) 1000 103
1 000
‘milli’ means ‘thousandth’ not
μ (micro) 1 (10 )
-6
μW (microwatt) ‘millionth’
1 000 000
You would not normally be
n (nano) 1 (10 )
-9
nm (nanometre) tested on micro, nano or giga
1 000 000 000 in a Cambridge IGCSE
examination (See also yellow
1.1 – Length and Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 11
Scientific notation
► An atlas says that the population of Iceland is this:
320 000
► There are two problems with giving the number in this form. Writing lots of
zeros isn’t very convenient. Also, you don’t know which zeros are accurate.
Most are only there to show you that it is a six-figure number. These
problems are avoided if the number is written using powers of ten:
3.2 x 105 (105 = 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 = 100 000)
► ‘3.2 X 105’ tells you that the figures 3 and 2 are important. The number is
being given to two significant
figures. If the population were Decimal Fraction Scientific Notation
known more accurately, to three 500 5 X 102
significant figures, it might be
0.5 5 5 X 10-1
written like this: 10
3.20 X 10 5
► The SI base unit of time is the second (symbol s). Here are some
shorter units based on the second:
1 millisecond (ms) = s = 10-1s
1 microsecond (μs) = s = 10-6s
1 nanosecond (ns) = s = 10-9s
► To keep time, clocks and watches need something that beats at a
steady rate. Some old clocks used the swings of a pendulum.
Modern digital watches count the vibrations made by a tiny quartz
crystal.
!
The second was originally defined as of a day, one day being the time it
takes the Earth to rotate once. But the Earth's rotation is not quite
constant. So, for accuracy, the second is now defined in terms of
something that never changes: the frequency of an oscillation which can
occur in the nucleus of a caesium atom.
1.2 – A System of Units
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 12
Length
► The SI base unit of length is the
metre (symbol m). At one time, the
standard metre was the distance
between two marks on a metal bar
kept at the Office of Weights and
Measures in Paris.
► A more accurate standard is now
used, based on the speed of light, as
explained below.
!
By definition, one metre is the distance travelled by
light in a vacuum in of a second.
1.2 – A System of Units
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 12
Measuring time
► Time intervals of many seconds or minutes can be measured
using a stop-clock or a stop-watch. Some instruments have
an analogue display, with a needle ('hand') moving round a
circular scale.
► Others have a digital display, which shows a number. There
are buttons for starting the timing, stopping it, and resetting
the instrument to zero.
► With a hand-operated stop-clock or stop-
watch, making accurate measurements of
short time intervals (a few seconds or less)
can be difficult. This is because of the time
it takes you to react when you have to press
the button.
Related topics: units of length and time 1.02; timing a falling object 2.04
1.3 – Measuring Length & Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 15
Measuring time !!
► The pendulum above takes about two seconds to
make one complete swing. Provided the swings
are small, every' swing takes the same time. This
time is called its period. You can find it
accurately by measuring the time for 25 swings,
and then dividing the result by 25. For example:
Time for 25 swings - 55 seconds
So: time for 1 swing - 55/25 seconds = 2.2
seconds
► Another method of improving accuracy is to use
automatic timing, as shown in the example on
the right. Here, the time taken for a small object
to fall a short distance is being measured. The
timer is started automatically when the ball cuts
one light beam and stopped when it cuts
another.
1.3 – Measuring Length & Time
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 15
Q
1. A student measures the time taken for 20 swings of a
pendulum. He finds that the time taken is 46 seconds,
?
a. What time does the pendulum take for one swing?
b. How could the student have found the time for one
swing more accurately?
2. A student wants to find the thickness of one page of this
book. Explain how she might do this accurately.
3. A micrometer is used to measure the diameter of a length
of copper wire. The zero error and scale reading are as
shown.
a. What is the zero error
of the micrometer?
b. What is the correct
diameter of the wire?
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 16
Volume
► The quantity of space an object takes up is called its volume.
► The SI unit of volume is the cubic metre (m3), However, this
is rather large for everyday work, so other units are often
used for convenience, as shown in the diagrams below:
1 cubic centimetre
(cm3) is the volume of
a cube measuring 1
cm X 1 cm X 1cm. It
1 cubic metre (rn3) is the volume of 1 litre is The same volume as 1 is the same volume
a cube measuring 1 m x 1 m x 1 m. cubic decimeter (dm3) as 1 millilitre (ml)
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 16
Density
► Is lead heavier than water? Not necessarily. It depends on
the volumes of lead and water being compared. However,
lead is more dense than water: it has more kilograms
packed into every cubic metre.
► The density of a material is calculated
like this: Density =
► In the case of water:
a mass of 1000 kg of water
has a volume of 1 m3 ▲The glowing gas in the
a mass of 2000 kg of water tail of a comet stretches for
millions of kilometres behind
has a volume of 2 m3 the comet's core. The
a mass of 3000 kg of water has density of the gas is less
a volume of 3 m3, and so on. than a kilogram per cubic
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 16
Density
► If masses are measured in grams (g) and volumes
in cubic centimetres (cm3), it is simpler to calculate
densities in g/cm3. Converting to kg/m3 is easy:
1 g/cm3 = 1000 kg/m3
► The density of water is 1 g/cm3. This simple value is
no accident. The kilogram (1000 g) was originally
supposed to be the mass of 1000 cm3 of water
(pure, and at 4°C). However, a
very slight error was made in the early
measurement, so this is no longer
used as a definition of the kilogram.
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 17
Density calculations
► The equation linking density, mass, and volume can
be written in symbols:
p = where p = density, m = mass, and
V = volume
► This equation cart be rearranged to give:
V= m = Vp
and
► These are useful if the density is
known, but the volume or mass
is to be calculated. On the right ▲Cover V in the
triangle and you can
is a method of finding all three see what is equal to. It
equations. works for m and p as
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 16
Density calculations
Example: Using density data from the table above, calculate the
mass of steel having the same volume as 5400 kg of aluminium.
► First, calculate the volume of 5400 kg of aluminium. In
this case, p is 2700 kg/m3, m is 5400 kg, and V is to be
found. So:
V = = = 2m3 In the density equation,
► This is also the volume of the
the symbol p is the
Greek letter 'rho'.
steel. Therefore, for the steel,
p is 7800 kg/m3, V is 2m3, and m is to be found. So:
m = Vp = 7800 kg/m3 X 2m3 = 15 600 kg
► So the mass of steel is 15 600 kg.
1.4 – Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 15
Measuring volume
► Irregular solid If the shape is too awkward for the
volume to he calculated, the solid can be lowered into
a partly filled measuring cylinder as shown on the left.
The rise in level on the volume
scale gives the volume of the
Increase
solid. in level
► If the solid floats, it can be gives
volume of
weighed down with a lump of solid.
metal. The total volume is
found. The volume of the
metal is measured in a
separate experiment and then ▲Measuring the
subtracted from this total. volume of a solid
1.5 - Measuring Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 18
Measuring volume
► Using a displacement can If the solid is too big
for a measuring cylinder, its volume can be
found using a displacement can, shown right.
► First, the can is filled up to the level of the spout
(this is done by overfilling it, and then waiting for
the surplus water to run out).
► Then the solid is slowly lowered into the water.
The solid is now taking up space once occupied
by the water - in other words, it has displaced its ▲Using a
own volume of water. The displaced water displacement can.
is collected in a beaker and emptied into a Provided the can is
tilled to the spout at
measuring cylinder.
the start, the volume
► The displacement method, so the story goes, of water collected in
was discovered by accident, by Archimedes. the beaker is equal to
You can find out how on the opposite page. the volume of the
object lowered into
1.5 - Measuring Volume & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 18
Measuring Density
► The density of a material can be found by calculation, once
the volume and mass have been measured. The mass of a
small solid or of a liquid can be measured using a balance.
However, in the case of a liquid, you must remember to
allow for the mass of its container.
► Here are some readings from an experiment to find the
density of a liquid:
Comparing Masses
! Beam
Density Essentials
Density = Unknown Standard
mass masses
Comparing Masses
► The balance is really comparing weights rather than masses. Weight
is the downward pull of gravity. The beam balances when the
downward pull on one pan is equal to the downward pull on the other.
► However, masses can be compared because of the way gravity acts
on them. If the objects in the two pans have the same weight, they
must also have the same mass.
► When using a balance like the one above, you
might say that you were weighing' something.
However, 1.2 kg is the mass of the object, not
its weight. Weight is a force, measured in force
units called newtons. For more on this, and the
difference between mass and weight, ▲A more modern
Planet density
► The density of a planet increases towards the centre.
However, the average density can be found by dividing
the total mass by the total volume. The mass of a
planet affects its gravitational pull and, therefore, the
orbit of any moon circling it. The mass can be
calculated from this. The volume can be calculated
once the diameter is known.
► The average density gives clues about a planet's
structure:
Earth Jupiter
Average density 5520 kg/rn3 Average density 1330 kg/m3
This is about double the density of the rocks The low average density is one reason why
near the surface, so the Earth must have a scientists think that Jupiter is a sphere mostly of
high density core probably mainly iron. hydrogen and helium gas, with a small, rocky core.
1.6 - More about Mass & Density
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 19
Float or sink?
You can Tell whether a material will float or sink by
comparing its density with that of The surrounding liquid (or
gas). If it is less dense, it will float; if it is more dense, it will
sink. For example, wood is less dense than water, so it
floats; steel is more dense, so it sinks.
Density differences are not the cause of floating or sinking,
just a useful guide for predicting which will occur. Floating
is made possible by an upward force produced whenever
an object is immersed in a liquid (or gas). To experience
this force, try pushing an empty bottle down into water.
▲Hot air is less dense than cold
air, so a hot-air balloon will rise
upwards provided the fabric, gas
cylinders, basket, and passengers do
not increase the average density by
too much.
◄ Ice is less dense than water in its
liquid form, so icebergs float.
Related topics: mass 1.02; volume & density 1.04-1.05; force 2.06; mass & weight 2.09; convection 5.07
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 22
A 480 5 4 4
B 360 10 4 3
C 800 10 5 2
?
D 600 5 4 3
9. The mass of a measuring cylinder
and its contents are measured
before and after putting a stone in it.
Which of the following could you
calculate using measurements
taken from the apparatus above?
A. the density of the liquid only
B. the density of the stone only
C. the densities of the liquid and the stone [2]
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 22
[2]
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 23
12. Use the table of data on Slide 36 (Spread 1.04) to answer the following:
a. Which of the solids or liquids in the table will float in water? Give a
reason for your answer. [4]
?
b. Which of the solids or liquids in the table will float in petrol?
[2]
13. The table shows the density of various substances. Consider the
following statements:
A. 1 cm3 of mercury has a greater* mass than 1 cm 3 of any other
substance in this table - true or false?
Substance Density
B. 1 cm of water has a smaller mass than
3
/g/cm3
1 cm3 of any other substance in this
Copper 8.9
table - true or false?
C. 1 g of iron has a smaller volume than Iron 7.9
1 g of copper - true or false? Kerosene 0.87
D. 1 g of mercury' has a greater mass than Mercury 13.6
1 g of copper - true or false? [2] Water 1.0
1 – Measurements and Units – Further Questions
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 23
[2]
b. How could the student measure the period more
accurately?
[2]
c. Later, another student finds that 100 complete swings take
1 – Measurements and Units – Revision Summary
1.01 – Numbers 1.02 – System 1.03 – Length 1.04 – Volume 1.05 – Measuring 1.06 – More 1 – Exam
& Units of Units & Time & Density Volume & Density Mass & Density Questions
Page 23
Use the list below when you revise for your IGCSE examination. You can print it from the PPT. The spread
number, in brackets, tells you where to find more information.
Core Level
How to use units.
(1.01)
Making bigger or smaller units using prefixes,
(1,01)
Writing numbers in scientific (standard) notation.
(1.01)
Significant figures.
(1.01)
SI units, including the metre, kilogram, and second.
(1.02)
The meaning of zero error.
(1.03)
How to measure short intervals of time.
(1.03)
How to find the period of a simple pendulum.