chapter 2 key terms Flashcards
scientific notation
expresses a number in the form N x 10 to the (M) power; a convenient method for expressing a very large or very small number.
unit
part of a measurement that tells us what scale or standard is being used to represent the results of that measurement.
English System
one of two of the most widely used measuring systems in the world, used in the US
metric system
one of the two most widely used measuring systems in the world, used in the rest of the world outside of the US. Also preferred for scientific work.
SI Units
International system of units basedon the metric system and on units derived from the metric system.
volume
amount of a three-dimensional space occupied by a substance
mass
The quantity if matter present in an object.
significant figures
The certain digits and the first uncertain digit of a measurement
rounding off
- If the digit to be removed
a. is less than 5, the preceding digit stays the same.
b. is equal to or greater than 5, the preceding digit is increased by 1. - In a series of calculations, carry the extra digits through to the final result and then rounds off. this means that you should carry all of the digits that show on your calculator until you arrive at the final number (answer) and then round off.
conversion factor
is the ratio of the two parts of the statement that relates the two units.
equivalence statement
a statement that relates different units of measurement.
dimensional analysis
the changing from one unit to another via conversion factors that are based on the equivalence statements between units
fahrenheit scale
temperature scale widely used in the us.
celsius scale
a temperature scale used mostly in canada and europe and in the physical and life sciences in most countries
Kelvin (absolute) scale
temperature scale used in sciences
