Measurement is used in a sentence in science to describe the quantifiable properties of an object, substance, or phenomenon.
Here's a breakdown of how measurement is typically used in sentences within a scientific context, along with examples:
-
Describing Properties: Measurements quantify specific attributes, providing concrete data.
- Example: "The temperature of the water was measured at 25 degrees Celsius." (Temperature is the property being measured; 25 degrees Celsius is the measurement.)
- Example: "The mass of the sample was 10 grams, measured using a precise balance." (Mass is the property being measured; 10 grams is the measurement.)
- Example: "The length of the plant stem increased by 2 centimeters per week." (Length is the property being measured; 2 centimeters per week is the measurement.)
-
Reporting Experimental Results: Measurements are crucial for documenting and communicating the outcomes of scientific experiments.
- Example: "After adding the catalyst, the reaction rate increased to 0.5 moles per liter per second." (Reaction rate is the property measured; 0.5 moles/L/s is the measurement).
- Example: "The voltage across the resistor was measured as 5 volts."
-
Stating Hypotheses: Hypotheses often involve predictions about measurable quantities.
- Example: "We hypothesize that increasing the concentration of the enzyme will increase the reaction rate." (Concentration and reaction rate are the measurable properties.)
- Example: "If the amount of fertilizer is doubled, then the yield of corn will increase by at least 15%."
-
Expressing Accuracy and Precision: Sentences can describe the quality of measurements.
- Example: "The instrument provides accurate measurement of atmospheric conditions."
- Example: "The diameter of the sphere was measured with a precision of 0.01 millimeters."
-
Units are Critical: Measurements must always be accompanied by appropriate units.
- Correct: "The rock's density is 2.7 grams per cubic centimeter."
- Incorrect: "The rock's density is 2.7." (Meaningless without units.)
In summary, measurement in a scientific sentence provides quantitative information about a specific property using a defined unit. The statement is far more specific and usable than if it was not measured.
