Our country still uses an old system with non uniform measurements such as:

fractions of an inch...12 inches to a foot….3 feet to a yard…. 5.5 yards to a rod...320 rods to a mile... 43,560 sq ft to an acre...

But almost all other countries use the metric system, which is disadvantageous for us.

But we do use the metric for a few things:

We buy cola in liters...We buy memory cards in bites…We run 10 km races...We swim in 25 meter pools...

Why haven’t we switched entirely to metric?

Measuring Length in meters When measuring a person we would

use meters. If we are measuring an ant, would

meters still be feasible? What should we use?

If we are measuring the distance from your house to the school, what should we use?

Always pick a prefix with a value close to what you are measuring.

The Metric System If a unit is getting larger (m km) the

number must get smaller. [If the unit gets smaller (m cm) the number gets larger.]

Examples:• 1. 23.5cm = km• 2. 3567mL = L• 3. 0.0984g = ug

0.0002353.567 98400

Temperature Conversions Notice that each

scales is marked with BP and FP of water as well as absolute zero.

The degree size of Celsius is equal to Kelvin. Therefore we adjust only for zero points: C = K – 273

K = C + 273

Thinking in Celsius -10° Celsius = frigid (14° F) 0° Celsius = cold (32° F) 10° Celsius = cool (50° F) 20° Celsius = comfortably warm (68°

F) 30° Celsius = hot (86° F) 40° Celsius = very hot (104° F) 50° Celsius = Phoenix Hot (120°F)

Scientific Notation

What is the purpose for using scientific notation in science?

Scientific Notation

M x 10n M is between 1 and 10

n is the number of decimal spaces moved to make M

Rules

1. Find the decimal point. If it is not written, it is at the end of the number.

2. Move the decimal point to make the number between 1 and 10

3. Place the number of space you moved the decimal in the n spot.

4. If you original number was above 1, the exponent is positive. If the number was smaller that 1, the exponent is negative.

Scientific Notation Mathematics

Multiplication and Division:

1. Multiply or divide the base numbers.2. When multiplying, add exponents.

When dividing, subtract exponents.

(8x105)(2x103) = 16x108 or 1.6x109

(8x105)/(2x103) = 4x102

Scientific Notation Mathematics

Addition and Subtraction:

1. The exponents must be the same. Change your numbers to make this possible.

2. Add or subtract base numbers and do not change the exponent.

* Remember: if the decimal move makes the base number smaller, the exponent increases.

5x105 + 3x104 = 5x105 + 0.3x105 = 5.3x105

Precision Versus Accuracy Precision: reproducibility, repeatability Accuracy: closeness to the correct answer

1. A student obtains the following data:2.57mL2.59mL2.58mL2.98mL

Compare these pieces in terms of precision and accuracy.

Precision Versus Accuracy Describe these

diagrams in terms of precision and accuracy:

The first shows precision, not accuracy. The second shows accuracy, not precision.

In this classroom, what is more important:

Precision or Accuracy?

Precision! Due to lack of precise equipment and variable climates we will most likely not end up with accurate results. Therefore, we will focus on refining our lab skills and strive for precise results.