Exploring the Origins of the Metric System

Exploring the Origins of the Metric System

Assessment

Interactive Video

Science

6th - 10th Grade

Hard

Created by

Ethan Morris

FREE Resource

The video explores the history and definition of the meter, a fundamental unit in the metric system. Initially, the meter was intended to be a universal measure derived from nature, but historical attempts to define it were fraught with challenges and errors. The French Revolution played a significant role in the push for a standardized system. Despite initial inaccuracies, the meter has been redefined over time, aligning with atomic and light measurements, yet still carries historical errors. Ultimately, the meter is a human invention, not a natural constant.

Read more

10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the meter currently defined as?

The length of a pendulum swinging once per second

The distance light travels in 1/299,792,458ths of a second

One ten millionth the distance between the North Pole and the equator

The length of a platinum bar

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why did the French people demand a fix to their system of weights and measures?

They wanted to adopt the English system

They were inspired by the American Revolution

The existing system was confusing and inconsistent

They wanted to increase trade with Spain

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the initial idea for defining the meter?

The length of a man's arm

The length of a pendulum swinging once per second

Three pieces of barley laid end to end

The distance light travels in one second

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What method did Méchain and Delambre use to measure the meter?

Using a platinum bar

Using a 1000-km tape measure

Marking a series of triangles across France

Measuring the length of a pendulum

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What tool did Méchain and Delambre use for their measurements?

A pendulum

A 1000-km tape measure

A platinum bar

The repeating circle

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the main problem with the original measurement of the meter?

The pendulum method was inaccurate

The curve of the Earth is not smooth

The Earth was assumed to be a perfect circle

The platinum bar was too short

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How did scientists adjust the meter after discovering the inaccuracies?

They used a 1000-km tape measure

They used a different line to measure

They combined new triangulations with older measures

They redefined it based on the length of a pendulum

Create a free account and access millions of resources

Create resources
Host any resource
Get auto-graded reports
or continue with
Microsoft
Apple
Others
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
Already have an account?