Instruments of Measurement

Devices that are used in taking measurements are referred to as instruments of measurement. We have a lot of instruments used in taking measurements.

Measuring the mass of objects

The mass of an object is measured with a balance. We have different types of balances; some examples are;

• Top pan balance or compression balance

  

  
  

• Beam balance

  

• Electronic balance

  

  
  

• Lever balance

  

Instruments for measuring length

We use different types of instruments depending on the object you want to measure because all the instruments play different roles. Examples are:

• Metre rule

  It is used for taking short dimensions.

• Measuring Tape

  Measuring tape to take long dimensions.

• Vernier calipers

  There are two types;

  1. Odd leg caliper

  It is used to take measurement of the external side of a hollow object. 

  2. Inside caliper

  It is used to take the interior measurement of a hollow object.

  

Measuring time helps in checking durations. The unit of time is second, which is symbolized by (s). For longer intervals of time the minute (min) and the hour (hr) are used, but the worldly accepted unit is seconds (s) so with any calculation, the longer intervals of time is converted to seconds (s).

Eg: 1hr = 60min

 1min = 60s

 Convert 1hr into seconds (s)
 1hr = 60min

 1min = 60s

 Therefore 1hr to s

 60 x 60 = 3600s

Thermometers are used for measuring temperature.

There are two types of thermometers, they are;

• Digital thermometer

• Analogue thermometer.