In science, a measurement is a collection of quantitative or numericaldata that describes a property of an object or event. A measurement is made by comparing a quantity with a standard unit. Since this comparison cannot be perfect, measurements inherently include error, which is how much a measured value deviates from the true value. The study of measurement is called metrology.
There are many measurement systems that have been used throughout history and across the world, but progress has been made since the 18th century in setting an international standard. The modern International System of Units (SI) bases all types of physical measurements on seven base units.
Methods of Measurement
- The length of a piece of string can be measured by comparing the string against a meter stick.
- The volume of a drop of water may be measured using a graduated cylinder.
- The mass of a sample may be measured using a scale or balance.
- The temperature of a fire may be measured using a thermocouple.
Comparing Measurements
Measuring the volume of a cup of water with an Erlenmeyer flask will give you a better measurement than trying to gauge its volume by putting it into a bucket, even if both measurements are reported using the same unit (e.g., milliliters). Accuracy matters, so there are criteria that scientists use to compare measurements: type, magnitude, unit, and uncertainty.
The level or type is the methodology used for taking the measurement. Magnitude is the actual numerical value of a measurement (e.g., 45 or 0.237). Unit is the ratio of the number against the standard for the quantity (e.g., gram, candela, micrometer). Uncertainty reflects the systematic and random errors in the measurement. Uncertainty is a description of confidence in the accuracy and precision of a measurement that is typically expressed as an error.
Measurement Systems
Measurements are calibrated, which is to say they are compared against a set of standards in a system so that the measuring device can deliver a value that matches what another person would obtain if the measurement were repeated. There are a few common standard systems you may encounter:
- International System of Units (SI): SI comes from the French nameSystème International d'Unités.It is the most commonly used metric system.
- Metric System: SI is a specific metric system, which is a decimal system of measurement. Examples of two common forms of the metric system are the MKS system (meter, kilogram, second as base units) and CGS system (centimeter, gram, and second as base units). There are many units in SI and other forms of the metric system that are built upon combinations of base units. These are called derived units.
- English System: The British or Imperial system of measurements was common before SI units were adopted internationally. Although Britain has largely adopted the SI system, the United States and some Caribbean countries still use the English system for non-scientific purposes. This system is based on the foot-pound-second units, for units of length, mass, and time.
FAQs
Measurement is the quantification of attributes of an object or event, which can be used to compare with other objects or events. In other words, measurement is a process of determining how large or small a physical quantity is as compared to a basic reference quantity of the same kind.
What is a measurement in science? ›
measurement, the process of associating numbers with physical quantities and phenomena. Measurement is fundamental to the sciences; to engineering, construction, and other technical fields; and to almost all everyday activities.
What is the simple definition of measurement? ›
Measurement is the basic concept in the study of Mathematics and Science. Measurement quantifies the characteristics of an object or event, which we can compare with other things or events. Measurement is the most commonly used word, whenever we deal with the division of a quantity.
What is the simple definition of measurement in science? ›
the extent, dimensions, quantity, etc., of something, ascertained especially by comparison with a standard: to take the measure of a thing. the act or process of ascertaining the extent, dimensions, or quantity of something; measurement.
What is measurement in science answer? ›
Measurement is a comparison of an unknown quantity with a known fixed quantity of the same kind. The value obtained on measuring a quantity is called its magnitude. The magnitude of a quantity is expressed in numbers and in its unit.
What is a measurement example? ›
Measurement is a system to measure the height, weight, capacity or even amount of certain objects. We can measure how long things are or how tall or how far two things are. For example: The height of Oliver is 100 inches and the height of the giraffe is 150 inches.
What is the measurement for kids? ›
Measurement is the action of measuring something. We can measure time, weight, height, temperature, length, speed, and more. If we didn't have measurement, it would be very hard to know when to go to school, how much you weigh, or how cold or warm it is outside.
What is measuring in basic science? ›
Updated on July 02, 2019. In science, a measurement is a collection of quantitative or numerical data that describes a property of an object or event. A measurement is made by comparing a quantity with a standard unit.
What is the new definition of measurement? ›
Measurement is the process of empirical, objective assignment of numbers to the properties of objects and events of the real world in such a way as to describe them [2].
What is measurement in one sentence? ›
Examples of measurement in a Sentence
The test is for the measurement of a student's progress. The instruments provide accurate measurement of atmospheric conditions. The room's measurements are 30 by 15 feet. The instruments are used for taking measurements of atmospheric conditions.
types of measurements are:
- Indirect method of measurement.
- Direct method of measurement.
- Fundamental method of measurement.
- Substitution method of measurement.
- Comparison method of measurement.
Simply put, it's a combination of things that include a value (approximation), a standard unit, and the confidence in knowing that the tool used to measure is calibrated.
What does and mean in measurement? ›
Therefore, we see that when it comes to length measurements, the single and double quotation marks mean 'feet' and 'inches,' respectively.
What is the simplest definition of measurement? ›
Measurement is defined as the process of comparison of an unknown quantity with a known or standard quantity.
What is measurement science? ›
The term measurement science is used in the context of creating critical-solution enabling tools – metrics, models, and knowledge – for U.S. manufacturers. This includes: Development of. Performance metrics. Measurement and testing methods.
How can we define measurement? ›
Measurement is the comparison of an unknown quantity with a known fixed quantity or Measurement is the assignment of a number to a characteristic of an object or event, which can be compared with other objects or events.
What is a measurement in an experiment? ›
An experimental measurement process is a method used to collect data or observe a phenomenon in a controlled and systematic way. In scientific research, experimental measurement processes are used to gather data that can be analyzed and interpreted to test hypotheses, evaluate theories, or answer research questions.
What is a measurement in earth science? ›
Observations and measurements are used in all the sciences. An observation is information obtained directly from one of the five human senses. A measurement is a means of expressing an observation with great accuracy. Measurements are expressed by both a numerical value and a unit.
What are the three types of measurement? ›
The three measures are descriptive, diagnostic, and predictive. Descriptive is the most basic form of measurement. A Klout score, your Google Pagerank, the number of unique visitors to your website. Descriptive measurements are what most of us believe measurement to be.
