mittarisuureita

Mittarisuureita, often translated as "measurands" or "measured quantities" in English, refers to the physical quantities that are being measured by instruments. In metrology, the science of measurement, identifying the specific measurand is a fundamental step in any measurement process. It defines what is being quantified and provides the basis for selecting the appropriate measuring instrument and method.

A measurand is a property of a phenomenon, body, or substance that is purported to be quantified by a given measurement. For example, when measuring temperature, the measurand is the thermal energy of a substance. In the case of length, the measurand is the spatial extent of an object. Pressure, voltage, mass, and time are other common examples of measurands.

The definition of a measurand must be unambiguous and complete to ensure that the measurement results are meaningful and comparable. This involves specifying the phenomenon, the conditions under which the measurement is performed, and any relevant influencing factors. For instance, specifying the pressure of a gas would require defining whether it is absolute or gauge pressure, and at what temperature. A well-defined measurand is crucial for establishing traceability and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of measurement data. Understanding the measurand is the starting point for all metrological activities, from instrument calibration to the evaluation of measurement uncertainty.