Introduction

Measurement is a part of our daily lives. Whether we are buying fabric, cooking, or building
something, measurement helps us know exactly how much we need. It also ensures that we
share information correctly.

For example, if you want to buy fabric to make a dress, you need to know how much fabric to
buy. Similarly, when cooking, measuring ingredients properly helps make the food taste just right.

Measuring using Body Parts

A long time ago, people used parts of their bodies to measure things. They used things like
handspans, arm lengths, foot lengths, and strides for measuring.

Handspan: The distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is
fully stretched.
Arm Length: The distance from the shoulder to the tip of the middle finger.

Foot Length: The length of a person's foot could be used to measure things.

Stride: Farmers sometimes used their steps to measure the length of fields.

Problems with Using Body Parts for Measuring

One big problem with using body parts to measure is that they aren’t the same for everyone.

People’s body parts are different sizes, so the same length might be measured differently by
different people. For example, if you and your friend measure a table using your foot lengths,
you might get different results because your feet are not the same size. This shows why we need
standard units of measurement.

Ancient Indian Measurement Systems

India has a rich history of measurement systems.

In ancient times, people used units like Angula (the width of a finger), Dhanusa, and Yojana to
measure things like buildings, artifacts, and towns.

Even today, Angula is still used by traditional workers like carpenters and tailors.

Archaeologists have also found markings on objects at Harappan Civilization sites that show
how these ancient measurements were used.

Standard Units

Over time, different parts of the world created their ways of measuring things. However as
people started traveling more, these different systems were confused. To fix this, countries
agreed on a standard system of measurement called the International System of Units (SI).

The SI Unit of Length:

Metre The standard unit for measuring length is the meter (m).

A meter is divided into 100 equal parts, each called a centimeter (cm).
For example, a 15-cm ruler has markings from 0 to 15 cm, and the distance between each
marking is 1 cm.

Each centimeter is further divided into 10 smaller parts, called millimeters (mm). One millimeter is
equal to 0.1 cm, making it the smallest length you can measure with a regular ruler.
Measuring Large and Small Lengths

To measure larger distances, we use kilometers (km). One kilometer equals 1000 meters.

To measure smaller lengths, we use centimeters or millimeters.

Examples: If the length of your pencil is 15 cm, it means it’s 15 times the length of one
centimeter. If the distance between two cities is 20 km, that means the distance is 20,000 meters
long.

Conversion between Units

It is important to know how to convert between different units of length:

1 metre = 100 centimetres

1 centimetre = 10 millimetres

1 kilometre = 1000 metres

Measuring Length in Inches On some rulers, you may see markings in inches.

One inch is equal to 2.54 centimetres. In the past, units like inches and feet were commonly
used to measure length. Even today, some people still use these units, especially in countries
like the United States.

Correct Way of Measuring Length

Different scales are used for different lengths.

For example:
To measure the length of a pencil, a 15-cm ruler is perfect.

For measuring the height of a room, a metre stick or measuring tape works best.

If you need to measure around objects, like a tree trunk or your chest, a flexible measuring tape
is the right choice.

What is the correct way to place the scale?

The scale should be placed in contact with the object along its length.

For example, if you are measuring the length of a paper, place the scale so that it touches the
paper along its entire length.
What is the correct position of the eye while reading the scale?
The eye should be directly above the point of measurement to avoid parallax error, which can
lead to incorrect readings.

For example, if you are measuring the length of a pencil, your eye should be directly above the
point where the pencil meets the scale.
How to measure the length if the ends of the scale are broken?

If the ends of the scale are broken, you can still measure.

Start from another full mark on the scale, and then subtract the reading at the end of the object.

For example, if you start from 1 cm and measure to 10 cm, the length of the object would be 10
cm - 1 cm = 9 cm.

How Visually Challenged Students Measure Lengths

Visually challenged students measure lengths by using special scales with raised markings.

These markings can be felt by touch, allowing them to accurately measure without needing to
see the scale.

Writing Units of Length Correctly

Symbols for length units (km, m, cm, mm) always start with lowercase letters.

Do not add an “s” for plural forms. Do not put a full stop after the symbol (unless it is at the end of
a sentence).

Always leave a space between the number and the unit. Example: 5 km (not 5km).

Measuring the Length of a Curved Line

To measure a curved line, you can use a flexible measuring tape or a piece of thread. Simply
wrap the thread along the curve, then straighten it and measure the length using a ruler or metre
scale.

Describing Position

A reference point is a fixed place used to describe where something is.

For example, when giving directions, you might say, “The park is two blocks north of the school.”
The park and the school are your reference points!

Examples of Reference Points in Real Life

The starting line in a race

The kilometre stones on a highway

A landmark such as a building or a tree

Importance of Consistent Reference Points

Using reference points helps us know exactly where we are and where we’re going.
 For example, Padma was traveling by bus to Delhi. As she passed kilometer stones, one
showed "Delhi 70 km" and the next one showed "Delhi 60 km." She could tell she was getting
closer to her destination.

Further on, the next kilometer stone read "Delhi 60 km." Each kilometer stone indicated to her
that she was getting closer to her grandparents' house.
Motion and Rest of an Object

Motion

The act, process, or state of the change in place or position of a body with respect to time and
relative to the observer is said to be motion.

For example, the blades of a rotating fan, the hands of a working wall clock, a moving car, a
spinning top, and satellites are all in motion.

Rest

When a body remains in one position for a long time, it is said to be at rest.

For example, the chairs of the dining table are at rest unless and until they are moved, and the
flower vase, table, and blackboard in the classroom are all at the position of rest.

Rest and Motion are Relative Terms

A body seems to be at rest with respect to one object but may appear to be in motion with
respect to some other object.

For example, a person on a railway platform is at rest with respect to another person on the
same platform but is in motion with reference to a person looking at him from a train crossing that
platform.

Similarly, a passenger sitting in the train will appear at rest to another passenger on the same
train.
Types of Motion

Linear Motion

Linear motion happens when an object moves in a straight line. The direction stays the
same, and the object follows a straight path. It can change speed or direction, but it doesn't
go off course.
Examples include:
A car driving on a straight road
A runner racing in a straight line
A train moving along straight tracks
Circular Motion
Circular motion is the motion of an object that moves at a fixed distance from a fixed point. Here,
all objects rotate in a circular motion. So, circular motion is a motion in which the body traverses
a circular path.
The hands of a clock, a merry-go-round, the blades of a fan, the wheel of a moving vehicle,
satellites, a spinning top, are all good examples of circular motion.
Examples include:
A merry-go-round spinning
The hands of a clock moving
A satellite orbiting the Earth
3. Oscillatory Motion
Oscillatory motion occurs when an object moves back and forth about a fixed position. The
motion repeats itself in regular intervals, with the object moving to one side, then back to the
other, and repeating this cycle over and over again. The path of the motion is not linear or
circular but swings between two points.
Examples include: The motion of a swing
A guitar string vibrating
A pendulum swinging
Periodic Motion: Circular and Oscillatory
An object is in periodic motion if it repeats its path after a fixed amount of time. In circular
motion, the object follows the same circular path again and again.
In oscillatory motion, the object moves back and forth in a repeating pattern. Both circular
motion and oscillatory motion are types of periodic motion, where the motion repeats after certain
intervals.
Short question answer
Q1: What is the SI unit of length?
Ans: Metre (m).
Q2: How many centimetres are in a metre?
Ans: 100 centimetres.
Q3: What body part was commonly used for measurement in the past?
Ans: Handspan.
Q4: What is the smallest unit of length in a centimetre?
Ans: Millimetre (mm).
Q5: How can measuring with different handspans lead to errors?
Ans: Variability in handspan size.
Q6: What should you do if a scale's ends are broken?
Ans: Use a full mark as the starting point.
Q7: What is the purpose of the International System of Units?
Ans: To standardize measurements globally.
Q8: How should the scale be positioned when measuring?
Ans: In contact with the object.
Q9: What is the correct way to write units of length?
Ans: Lowercase letters with a space before the number.
Q10: How do visually challenged students measure lengths?
Ans: Using special scales with raised markings.
Q11: What is a reference point?
Ans: A reference point is a fixed point used to describe the position of an object.
Q12: Give an example of a reference point in daily life.
Ans: The park is two blocks north of the school. Q13: What ensures accurate measurements of
positions? Ans: Using consistent reference points ensures accuracy in measurements.
Q14: When is an object considered to be in motion?
Ans: An object is in motion if its position changes relative to a reference point.
Q15: What type of motion occurs along a straight line?
Ans: Linear motion occurs when an object moves along a straight line.
Q16: Name an example of circular motion.
Ans: The motion of a merry-go-round is circular motion.
Q17: What is oscillatory motion? Ans: Oscillatory motion involves movement back and forth
about a fixed position.
Q18: What defines periodic motion?
Ans: Periodic motion repeats its path after a fixed interval of time.
Q19: List one traditional method of measurement.
Ans: Using body parts for measurement was a traditional method.
Q20: What is the importance of standard units of measurement?
Ans: Standard units provide a uniform way of measuring for consistency.

Short and long question

Q1. Give two examples of rotational motion.

Ans: Examples of rotational motion include: The motion of a wheel, gears, and motors. The
motion of the blades of a fan.
Q2. What is the significance of the metre in the International System of Units?
Ans: The metre is the fundamental unit of length in the SI system. It provides a standard
measurement used worldwide, which helps ensure accuracy and uniformity in science,
engineering, and daily life.
Q3. How can you measure the length of a Curved line accurately?
Ans: To measure a curved line accurately, place a flexible thread or tape along the curve, mark
the endpoints on the thread, then straighten it and measure its length with a ruler or measuring
tape.
Q4. Explain the concept of a reference point in measuring distance.
Ans: A reference point is a fixed, known location used to measure the position or distance of
another object. It helps us know if an object has moved and is essential for accurate distance
measurement.
Q5. Why are flexible measuring tapes preferred for measuring the girth of objects?
Ans: Flexible tapes can bend and wrap around curved or irregularly shaped objects, allowing
precise measurement of their circumference or girth, unlike rigid rulers.
Q6. What do you and your friends discover when you compare the handspans?
Ans: We find that handspan sizes differ among individuals, so using body parts as a measure is
inconsistent. This shows the need for standard units for accurate measurement.
Q7. How is oscillatory motion different from linear and circular motion?
Ans: Oscillatory motion is a repetitive back-and-forth movement about a fixed point, while linear
motion moves in a straight line and circular motion follows a circular path.
Q8. Why do we not use a footstep as a standard unit of length?
Ans: Footstep lengths vary from person to person, making them unreliable for standard
measurement. Standard units like the metre provide consistent and uniform measurement.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1. Why is it important to use standard units of measurement in everyday life?

Ans: Using standard units of measurement in everyday life is crucial for several reasons:
Consistency: Standard units ensure that measurements are uniform across different contexts.
 Accuracy: They help in obtaining precise measurements, reducing the chance of errors.
Clear Communication: Standardised measurements facilitate better understanding and
comparison.
Reliability: In fields like science, engineering, and trade, standard units are essential for
dependable results.

Q2. How the measurements using body parts to measure length were considered inconsistent?

Ans: Using body parts to measure length is often inconsistent for several reasons: Different
individuals have varying sizes of body parts, such as handspans, foot spans, and strides.
For example, one person's handspan may be longer than another's, leading to different
measurements. This variability highlights the need for standard units of measurement.

Q3. Define motion. What are different types of motion?

Ans: Motion is the process of changing position or moving from one place to another. The
different types of motion include: Translational motion: Movement in the same direction covering
equal distances over time. Linear motion: Movement along a straight line. Circular motion:
Movement along a circular path. Rotational motion: Movement around an axis. Periodic motion:
Movement to and fro about a fixed point. Vibratory motion: A fast back-and-forth movement.

Q4. Describe the process of using a thread to measure the length of a curved line.

Ans: To measure the length of a curved line using a thread, follow these steps:
Place the thread along the entire curve, ensuring it follows the shape accurately.
Mark the endpoints on the thread. Straighten the thread and measure it with a ruler or measuring
tape.
This method provides an accurate measurement of curves, which cannot be measured with
straight scales.

Q5. Explain the significance of the International System of Units (SI) and its impact on global
measurements.

Ans: The International System of Units (SI) is crucial for several reasons:
It provides a standardised set of measurement units used worldwide.
Facilitates international trade and scientific collaboration. Ensures measurements are consistent
and comparable across countries. Reduces misunderstandings and errors in communication.
The SI system includes essential base units such as:
Metre (m) for length
Kilogram (kg) for weight
Second (s) for time