mätsning

Mätsning is a Swedish term that refers to the act or process of measuring, and to the result of a measurement. In modern Swedish the standard noun for this concept is mätning, while mätsning appears infrequently and is generally considered a variant, historical form, or typographical error. The word is derived from the verb mäta, meaning to measure, with the nominalizing suffix -ning.

In practice, mätsning involves defining the quantity to be measured, selecting an appropriate instrument, performing the measurement, and recording the result. It also includes estimation of uncertainty and the evaluation of systematic and random errors. Within science and engineering, metrology governs the standards, calibration, traceability to reference materials, units, and the reliability of measurement results.

Instruments and methods used for mätsning vary by quantity. Length can be measured with rulers, calipers, or micrometers; mass with balances and scales; time with clocks or oscillators; temperature with thermometers or thermocouples; electric quantities with multimeters and sensors. Optical and electronic techniques, such as spectroscopy or interferometry, are used for specialized measurements. The choice of method depends on required accuracy, range, environmental conditions, and the nature of the object or phenomenon being measured.

Applications of mätsning span nearly all fields, including physics, engineering, manufacturing, surveying, geodesy, astronomy, and meteorology. Accurate measurement underpins quality control, scientific experimentation, and the development of standards and technologies.

See also: metrology, measurement, calibration, uncertainty, standardization.