Measurement is the comparison of an unknown quantity with a known fixed quantity or the assignment of a number to a characteristic of an object or event. In class 6 science, measurement is an important topic that is covered in the chapter on motion and measurement of distances. The chapter covers the following topics related to measurement:
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Units of measurement: Comparing an unknown quantity with some known quantity is called measurement. The known fixed quantity used in measurement is called a unit. The result of measurement is expressed in two parts: a number and a unit of measurement.
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Standard units of measurement: Nowadays, the International System of Units (SI units) is used as a standard unit. Length, weight, and time are considered as basic quantities for measurement, and other quantities are derived from them. As per the SI system, the unit of length is meter, the unit of weight is kilogram, and the unit of time is second. Barring the unit of time, other units of this system are based on the decimal system.
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Arbitrary units of measurement: Before the development of standard units of measurement, people used arbitrary units of measurement. Some of them are still in use at some places. Handspan, finger-length, cubit (length between the elbow and finger tips), foot-length, and arms-length are some examples of arbitrary units of measurement. The use of arbitrary units of measurement has several disadvantages, including a lack of uniformity and reliability.
In summary, measurement in class 6 science refers to the comparison of an unknown quantity with a known fixed quantity, and the result of measurement is expressed in two parts: a number and a unit of measurement. The chapter on motion and measurement of distances covers standard units of measurement, such as the International System of Units (SI units), and arbitrary units of measurement, which were used before the development of standard units.
