Students begin using the metric system in Year 4. They will learn how to convert between different metric units of measurement.
Percentages are used in a wide variety of contexts, from calculating discounts to measuring stock prices and economic indicators. Understanding the basics of percentages will help you to make more informed decisions.
What Is Mass?
Mass is a measurement of the amount of matter that something has. It is determined by the number, type and density of atoms within an object. The SI unit for mass is the kilogram, abbreviated kg.
Although almost everything has mass, some things do not have it, such as photons, which are particles of light. In general, objects that have a greater volume have more mass than those with less volume.
An object’s mass is different from its weight, which is the force exerted on it by gravity. The equation for calculating an object’s weight is mass multiplied by the acceleration of gravity “g” on that object.
A great way to explain the difference between mass and weight is by giving children some examples. For instance, a pillowcase filled with feathers and another one filled with bricks will have different weights but the same amount of mass because they contain the same amount of matter, just in a different form.
How Do You Measure Mass?
There are a few different ways to measure mass. The most common way is to use a balance or scale. People weigh themselves every day on a scale! The main difference between mass and weight is that weight depends on gravity. So, if you move to another planet your weight will change, but your mass won’t.
You can also measure the mass of an object by comparing it to another object that you know has a certain amount of matter. For example, if you have two saddles of equal size that are attached to identical springs, the one with more matter will be heavier. You can also compare the force required to accelerate an object of known mass with a known acceleration.
Make sure that the area where you will be measuring has no drafts or vibrations. It is also a good idea to zero the balance or press the tare button. Then place your sample into a container and subtract the weighing instrument’s mass to find the object’s mass.
What Instrument Is Used to Measure Mass?
Scientists use various instruments to measure the different properties of an object, including mass. Some examples include hand weights, a physical balance, and more advanced analytical scales such as the SLAMMD that measures in-orbit mass of astronauts on the International Space Station using Sir Isaac Newton’s Second Law of Motion (force equals mass times acceleration).
Most instruments for measuring mass compare an unknown object to standard objects to estimate its exact mass. For example, a triple beam balance uses scale pans on both ends of the device to compare an object to two other known masses for precise results.
In addition to these scientific instruments, modern digital scales and spring balances can also help determine mass. Another common type of mass measurement instrument is a Stadiometer, which measures the gross mass of liquids in a graduated tank by subtracting the floating ceiling, bottom sediment, and water from the recorded mass of the vapor above the transducer.
What Is the Difference Between Weight and Mass?
While they are often used interchangeably, mass and weight actually refer to different quantities. The amount of matter in an object is measured by its mass; it cannot be zero. An object’s weight depends on the gravitational force acting upon it, which may change depending on its location.
For example, an astronaut’s body weight will be less on the Moon because gravity is less there. However, the astronaut’s mass will remain the same.
A physicist will usually discuss an object’s mass, rather than its weight, when describing its properties in normal conditions. However, if an object is in a different environment, then it is more accurate to talk about its weight. For instance, if an astronaut is on the Moon, it is more accurate to say that their weight there is 1/6th of what it is on Earth. This is because the force of gravity is pulling on them at a different rate.