1.

6 MEASURING MASS AND TEMPERATURE

Mass. Mass is almost the same thing as weight. We will learn

about the difference in Chapter 10. For now, we are more likely 1 g = 0.001 kg
to be correct if we use the word mass in our science course. 1000 g = 1 kg = 0.001 t
1000 kg = 1 t
The SI unit of mass is a kilogram, symbol kg. Other units that
we often use are grams, (g) and tonnes (t). A very small coin
Converting units of mass
has a mass of about 1 g and a 1 l bottle of mineral water has a
mass of just over 1 kg.

We measure mass with a balance. The simplest kind is called a beam balance. This is the kind
which is used in markets all over the world. The object to be weighed is placed on a pan on one
side and is balanced by standard masses (weights) placed on the other side. The chemical
balance illustrated below is an example of this kind. Other balances may have a scale to read.
The electronic top pan balance has a digital readout like a watch.

El e
c tro n
i c

top pan balance

Traditional chemical
balance

Temperature. The temperature of something tells us how hot it is.

The SI unit for temperature is a degree Celsius, symbol oC. Water
freezes at 0 oC and boils at 100 oC.

We measure temperature with a thermometer. The best known kind

of thermometer contains a silvery liquid called mercury in a narrow
glass tube. A doctor or nurse may use a clinical thermometer to
check the temperature of your body. A healthy person has a
temperature very close to 37 oC.

SAFETY NOTE: Thermometers are fragile and expensive. Handle them

carefully. Laboratory thermometers must not 'shaken down' like clinical
thermometers. If breakage occurs tell your teacher. Be careful of the
broken glass and do not touch the mercury which is poisonous.

1. Explain how to use (i) a beam balance, (ii) a top pan balance?

2. How would you measure the volume and mass of a pin?

3. What is the temperature of (i) a healthy human being, (ii) boiling water, (iii) a
Clinical and lab thermometers
hot day in your region? (iv) What temperatures are shown on the
thermometers illustrated above?

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