Metric is a system of measurement used in most countries around the world. It's based on the decimal system, meaning it uses powers of ten. This makes it easier to convert between units.
Here's how metric works:
Base Units
Metric uses seven base units for fundamental measurements:
- Meter (m): Length
- Kilogram (kg): Mass
- Second (s): Time
- Ampere (A): Electric current
- Kelvin (K): Temperature
- Mole (mol): Amount of substance
- Candela (cd): Luminous intensity
Prefixes
Metric uses prefixes to denote multiples and sub-multiples of the base units. These prefixes are based on powers of ten:
| Prefix | Symbol | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Kilo | k | 1000 (10³) |
| Hecto | h | 100 (10²) |
| Deka | da | 10 (10¹) |
| Base Unit | 1 (10⁰) | |
| Deci | d | 0.1 (10⁻¹) |
| Centi | c | 0.01 (10⁻²) |
| Milli | m | 0.001 (10⁻³) |
For example:
- 1 kilometer (km) = 1000 meters (m)
- 1 centimeter (cm) = 0.01 meter (m)
Advantages of Metric
- Simplicity: The decimal system makes it easy to convert between units.
- Consistency: Using the same system worldwide promotes uniformity and reduces confusion.
- Ease of Use: It's relatively simple to learn and use.
Examples
- Length: A standard door is about 2 meters tall.
- Mass: A bag of sugar weighs 1 kilogram.
- Volume: A liter of milk is about 1000 milliliters.
Metric is a widely adopted system that makes measuring and understanding quantities much easier. It's used in various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life.
