Matavimai

Matavimai, in Lithuanian meaning measurements, refers to the process of quantifying properties by comparing them with standard quantities. In science, engineering and everyday life, measurements convert observations into numerical values with units, enabling comparison, analysis and quality control.

Units and systems: The International System of Units (SI) is the common framework for scientific measurement. Base units include metre for length, kilogram for mass, second for time, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela. Derived units describe other quantities such as speed, area, and volume. Measurements also involve uncertainty: no measurement is exact. Accuracy describes closeness to a true value, while precision describes reproducibility. Uncertainty is a quantified estimate of possible error and is often expressed with a confidence interval.

Traceability and standards: Measurements should be traceable to national or international standards through calibration chains, ensuring comparability over time and space. Calibration aligns an instrument with reference values provided by a standard.

Methods and tools: Direct measurements compare a quantity to a standard, while indirect or derived measurements use formulas. Instruments range from rulers and scales to thermometers, calipers, and spectrometers. Metrology is the science of measurement, covering standards, calibration, and quality assurance.

Applications: Matavimai underpin manufacturing tolerances, scientific research, healthcare, commerce, and data analytics, providing a basis for quality, safety, and interoperability.