Units

Definition

Units are standardized quantities used to specify measurements. They provide a reference for expressing physical quantities consistently.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The International System of Units (SI) is the most widely used system for measurement, including units like meters, kilograms, and seconds.
2. Base units in the SI system include meter (m) for length, kilogram (kg) for mass, and second (s) for time.
3. Derived units are combinations of base units, such as meters per second (m/s) for velocity or joules (J) for energy.
4. The use of proper units is crucial for ensuring accurate and consistent communication of scientific data.
5. Unit conversions may be necessary when comparing measurements that use different systems or scales.

Review Questions

• What are the base units in the International System of Units (SI) for length, mass, and time?
• How do derived units differ from base units in the SI system?
• Why is it important to use standardized units in scientific measurements?

Related terms

International System of Units (SI): A globally accepted system of measurement based on seven base units including the meter, kilogram, and second.

Base Unit: A fundamental unit in a given measurement system on which other derived units are based.

Derived Unit: A unit that is a combination of base units through multiplication or division.