G3 Measuring Matter – Mass, Volume and Temperature_02

Mass

What does it mean to have mass? The term mass tells us how much matter there is. For example, heavy things have more matter than lighter things. Things that have a lot of matter are ‘massive’. Elephants are heavy or massive. A field mouse is light. Does that mean big things are always heavier than small things? How can we be sure?

Mass can be measured. Scientists use a special tool to find the mass of an object. This special tool is called a balance. Shown are two types of balances.

How can you describe mass? How much mass is there? Mass is an amount.

Imagine telling someone you have five. The response would be, “Five of what?” Every amount needs a unit. Units tell you what is being measured. Scientists use the term kilogram (kg) to describe mass. Sometimes smaller masses can be measured in grams (g).

If heavy things have more mass, do large items have more mass too? Being large and heavy are not the same thing. Recall, mass tells you about the amount of matter. What does being large tell you?