LESSON 3: Recording the Smart Way

Fundamental Quantities
Fundamental quantities are the basic
physical quantities that are independent of
each other and are used as the foundation for
all other measurements in science.
One of the science process skills Welcome to
involved in comparing these Fundamental Quantities!
variables is measuring. Our ability
to measure is important in science
and other fields, such as
construction, medicine, and even
the arts. Knowing the different
measuring tools used to measure
the physical quantities of an object
would help us decide which
measuring tool is best to use in a
particular situation.
Remember that measurements follow a
standard, an exact quantity we agree to
use to compare measurements. A unit is
a standard used to describe the physical
quantity of an object. It is important to
understand that we can use and express
the unit of measurement of a physical
quantity more than once, and that’s why
we must know how to decide which one
is the most appropriate to use in a certain
situation or object to be measured.
SI (International System of Units)
is a globally recognized, standardized system
of measurement based on the metric
system. It's the most widely used system of
measurement in the world, particularly in
science and technology
● Length is the distance between two
points. The SI unit of length is
meter.
● Mass is the quantity of matter in an
object. The SI unit for mass is
kilogram.
● Volume is the amount of space The most common
occupied by an object. We units for
commonly express the volume of a expressing
liquid, which indicates the capacity volume of liquids
of the container that holds the are liter and
milliliter.
amount of the liquid.
Whenever we measure, we
need to consider using the
appropriate measuring
instrument or tool for the
task. Remember that different
instruments are designed for
specific types of
measurements. We must also
consider that it makes it
easier for us to communicate
and compare measurements if
Metric Prefixes for SI Units
Time is the interval between two events. It is used to measure how long it takes for an event to occur, such as how long it would take a substance to
heat up or to cool down. The SI unit for time is second.
Temperature
● Temperature is the
measure of heat or
thermal energy present
in a body or an object.
Usually, we can
determine the hotness or
the coldness of an object
by depending on which
There are three temperature scales
commonly used to express
temperature that you can convert
from one unit to another: degree
Celsius (°C), degree Fahrenheit (°F),
and kelvin (K), which is the SI unit for
temperature. Absolute zero refers to
when an object reaches 0 K, which is
considered to be the coldest
possible temperature.
1. If you want to convert
degrees Celsius to degrees
Fahrenheit and vice versa:
°F = (1.8) × (°C) + 32
°C = °F–32
1.8
2. To convert degree Celsius
to kelvin:
K = °C + 273.15
1. If you want to convert
degrees Celsius to degrees
Fahrenheit and vice versa:
°F = (1.8) × (°C) + 32
°C = °F–32
1.8
2. To convert degree Celsius
to kelvin:
K = °C + 273.15
Because measuring is a skill that we must develop in
science measurements, we must be both accurate and
precise. Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to
its true value, whereas precision is how close a series of
measurements are to one another. To help us achieve
accuracy and precision, scientists have developed the
International System of Units or also known as the SI
system.
Remember that measurements are not always exact; that’s
why we need to consider how accurate they are, and one
of the ways to do so is to use significant figures, which
refer to the number of digits that make a measurement
reliable and meaningful. The accuracy of a number is
equal to the number of significant figures of the measuring
tool that we are using. To improve accuracy, measurement
techniques, and even the instruments need to be
calibrated so that systematic errors may be prevented or
minimized.
. Always remember to use the proper technique and
measuring instruments when making measurements.
Using significant figures when reporting measurements
will help make them more precise. Here are the rules to
consider about significant figures.
 ● Tools in Scientific
Investigations
We need to use tools and
equipment as we conduct our
scientific investigations, and
these are the things that we
need to consider so that we may
be able to use the right tools for
the right task.
 Measuring and Dispensing
The tools here are used for measuring and dispensing small or
even large amounts of liquids. The lines and numbers that we see
are called graduated scale, which is used to read the amount of
liquids starting with the lower value at the bottom and increasing
as you move upward along the instrument.
 The tools below are used for measuring and dispensing small
amounts of liquids. But unlike the tools above, these tools have
a reverse graduated scale. It starts with a higher value at the top
and decreases as you move downward along the instrument,
indicating how much sample was already dispensed.
● The tools below are used for measuring
mass.
A thermometer is used to measure temperature,
whereas a pH meter is for measuring the acidity of
a sample.
 Glassware
Some kinds of glassware are simply used as a
container to hold a sample, whereas others may
be used as an accessory.
 Heating and Flame-related Equipment
The following instruments are used as sources of
heat when heating small quantities of materials.
Bunsen burner Alcohol lamp
 The following instruments are used to contain
small amounts of heated materials, mostly solids.
Evaporating dish Crucible and cover
● Laboratory tripods are used to support heating
instruments. Iron stands are used for titration.
Accessories Some accessories are used to handle
different kinds of glassware while they are being
heated or when they contain hazardous materials.
Crucible tongs
Test tube holder
On the other hand, other accessories are used to
transfer or grind solid samples
Mortar and pestle Wash bottles
 When designing
an experiment, we
must be aware of the
functions of these
instruments and
equipment. It will be
helpful to know and
specify what size or
what quantity is
needed to set up the
Doing experiments is a great way to
learn about science while you work
either alone or with your classmates
inside a science laboratory. It is
important that you are familiar with
the safety rules and practices in the
laboratory as accidents can occur
anywhere and anytime.