Page 272 - ABCTE Study Guide_Neat

The metric unit of length is the meter (m); the metric unit of mass is the kilogram (kg); and the metric unit
of volume is the liter (l).

For example, 1 m = 100 cm, 1 mg = 0.001 g, and 1000 l = 1 kl.

Although the SI unit of temperature is the Kelvin, most often, the Celsius scale is used to measure
temperatures where this system is used. These are common temperatures:

• Water freezes at 0° C.
• Water boils at 100° C.

The Customary System

The customary system is the system we’re accustomed to in the United States. It’s also called the
English system or the standard system. Customary units of length include the inch (in.), foot (ft), and mile
(mi); customary units of weight include the ton (t), the pound (lb), the ounze (oz); and customary units of
capacity include fluid ounces (fl. oz), pints (pt), cups (c), and quarts (qt).

You’re likely familiar with these relationships among customary units:

• Length: 1 mile = 5,280 feet and 1 foot = 12 inches
• Weight: 1 t = 2,000 lb and 1 lb = 16 oz
• Capacity: 1 gal = 4 qt, 1 qt = 2 pt, 1 pt = 2 c, and 1 c = 8 oz

Most often, the Fahrenheit scale is used to measure temperatures where this system is used. These are
common temperatures:

• Water freezes at 32° F (which equals 0° C).
• Water boils at 212° F (which equals 100° C).

Relating the Metric and Customary Systems

These facts may give you a better sense of the relationships between these systems:

• One liter is a little more than one quart.
• One meter is a little longer than one yard, or three feet.
• There are about 2.5 centimeters in an inch.

And here’s how we convert between the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales:

Now practice: