What is the Importance of Measurement?
Measurement is the fundamental concept in physics and mathematics related to all the physical quantities. When we talk about physical quantities, we cannot drop the discussion of measurement. All physical quantities are measurable, and each of them has units that determine their magnitude. In general, there are seven basic fundamental physical quantities, namely mass, length, time, temperature, electric current luminous intensity, and amount of a substance. All of these physical quantities have units that are internationally recognized in the system of units and are called system international units.
Measurements are important, especially while conducting research or a test in a laboratory. If an experiment is being conducted in a lab and two chemicals are to be mixed in certain proportions, then it is very crucial to mix both of those chemicals in the exact proportion as required. For that purpose, both chemicals need to be measured in their volumes. There are several other important uses of measurements, as well.
Why Are There Different Measurement Systems?
Like every region in the world has its own language, there is also a different measurement system in every region, as well. The reason for the development of a different measurement system in each corner of the world is that humans are by nature created in a way that they cannot think alike. It is exactly the reason why every region has its own language. Similarly, the human habit of not thinking the same as each other compelled the human race to develop a measurement system of their own in their respective regions.
For example, in Great Britain, the basic measurement units are foot, pound, and second for distance, mass, and time respectively. But in the U.S., it is meter, kilogram, and second. The difference is due to the ease of people according to the scientific backgrounds which they belonged to. However, later after the development of all these measurement systems, the jury of scientists felt the need of a system common across the world. Then System International units came into being so that all the calculations across the world can be done and perceived easily by everyone.