Matter

All matter consists (made up of) of mass

and volume.

What we usually
use...
Length:
Kilometer
Meter
Centimeter
Millimeter
Mass:
Kilogram
Gram
Milligram
Volume:
Liter
Milliliter
*Highlight these on
your notes!

The Metric System!

What is Mass
- Mass is the amount of matter that
something is made of.
- Mass is expressed in milligrams (mg),
grams (G), and kilograms (kg).

Measuring Mass with a Balance

A type of balance called a triple beam balance. To use this type of balance, follow these steps:
1.

Zero the balance.

2.

Place the object to be measured on the pan at the left side of the balance.

3.

Slide the movable masses to the right until the right end of the arm is level with the balance mark.
Start by moving the larger masses and then fine tune the measurement by moving the smaller
masses as needed.

4.

Read the three scales to determine the values of the masses that were moved to the right. Add
the three movable masses together to find the total mass of the object.

Practice

Using the Triple Beam Balance

The middle scale, which measures the largest movable mass, reads 300 grams.
This is followed by the top scale, which reads 30 grams. The bottom scale reads
5.1 grams. Therefore, the mass of the object in the pan is 335.1 grams (300 grams
+ 30 grams + 5.1 grams).

Triple Beam Balance

Q: What is the maximum mass this triple beam balance can measure?

Q: What is the smallest mass this triple beam balance can measure?

Finding Mass using a Digital Scale

To measure very small masses, scientists use electronic balances. This type of
balance also makes it easier to make accurate measurements because mass is
shown as a digital readout. In the picture, the balance is being used to measure
the mass of a white powder on a plastic weighing tray. The first thing you need to
do is ZERO the balance. Next, you need to place the container on the scale and
ZERO the balance. Then you need to place the MATTER in the container.
Record the mass of the matter.

Now lets try it!

What is Volume
- Volume is the amount of space taken up
by an object.
- Volume of liquids is expressed in
milliliters (mL) and liters (L).
- Volume of solid objects is expressed in
cubic units. Ex. 1 m

Finding Volume for liquids:

Measuring Volume with a Graduated Cylinder
At home, you might measure the volume of a liquid with a measuring cup.
In science, the volume of a liquid might be measured with a graduated
cylinder, like the picture to the right. The cylinder in the picture has a scale
in milliliters (mL), with a maximum volume of 100 mL. Follow these steps
when using a graduated cylinder to measure the volume of a liquid:
1.

Place the cylinder on a level surface before adding the liquid.

2.

After adding the liquid, move your body so that your eyes are at
the same level as the top of the liquid in the cylinder.

3.

Read the mark on the glass that is at the lowest point of the
curved surface of the liquid. This is called the meniscus.

Reading the
Meniscus
Q: What is the volume of the
liquid in the graduated cylinder
pictured above?
Q: What would the measurement
be if you read the highest point of
the curved surface of the liquid
by mistake?

Now lets try it!

Finding volume for Solids:

Length Width Height = Volume

With this formula, you are able to find the volume of solid objects.

Q: What would the volume of the Cinnamon Toast Crunch box be?
Length = 19.5 cm
Width = 5 cm
Height = 25.5 cm
Volume =?
Dont forget to label the unit on your final answer!!! :)

Length Width Height = Volume

19.5 cm x 5 cm x 25.5 cm = 2,486.25 cm3

Measuring Length with a Metric Ruler

In science, length is most often measured in SI units (system international also
known as the international system), such as millimeters, meters and centimeters.
Many rulers have both types of units, one on each edge. The ruler pictured below
has only SI units. It is shown here bigger than it really is so its easier to see the
small lines, which measure millimeters. The large lines and numbers stand for
centimeters. Count the number of small lines from the left end of the ruler (0.0) to
the number 1. You should count 10 lines because there are 10 millimeters in a
centimeter.

Practice Measuring Length

Q: What is the length in millimeters of the red line above the
metric ruler?
Q: What is the length of the red line in centimeters?

Now lets try it!

Density
- Density is the amount of mass located in a specific volume.

The density of an object can change if either the mass or

volume of the object is changed.

Brain Pop

Sink or Float?
1. Predict what will happen when we drop each of
these cans into a tank of water.
2. Observe as your teacher puts each
can into the tank. Is it what you expected?
3. Why do you think this happened?
4. Watch this Video and find out why...

Density of Water
- If an object is more dense than water, it will sink; if it is less
dense than water, it will float.
- What is the density of water? Lets find out.
- If an object is more dense than water, it will sink; if it is less
dense than water, it will float.