Introduction to Measurements
Measurements form the essential backbone of physics and other sciences, allowing for the quantitative analysis of physical phenomena. Measurement is defined as the act of comparing a physical quantity against a known standard unit. Physical quantities can be categorized into fundamental quantities, which are independent and not derived from other quantities, and derived quantities, which are constructed from fundamental units.
Physical Quantities
Physical quantities can be classified as:
1. Fundamental Quantities: These are the basic building blocks, independent of other quantities. Examples include:
- Length (meter, m)
- Mass (kilogram, kg)
- Time (second, s)
- Temperature (Kelvin, K)
- Electric Current (Ampere, A)
- Luminous Intensity (candela, cd)
- Amount of Substance (mole, mol)
2. Derived Quantities: These are formed from combinations of fundamental quantities.
The measurements require a system of units, with the International System of Units (SI) being the modern standard. It is vital that any measurement recorded includes both a numerical value and its corresponding unit.