# What is Measurement and Its Significance

- Link: https://studyelectrical.com/2024/02/what-is-measurement-and-its-significance.html
- Published: 2024-02-09T16:54:20+00:00
- Author: Tesla

## What is Measurement?

The measurement of a given quantity is essentially an act or the **result of comparison
between the quantity (whose magnitude is unknown) and a predefined standard**. Since
two quantities are compared, the result is expressed in numerical values.

Measurement is the process by which one can convert physical parameters to meaningful
numbers. The measuring process is one in which the property of an object or system
under consideration is compared to an accepted standard unit, a standard defined
for that particular property.

The number of times the unit standard fits into the quantity being measured is the**
numerical measure**. The numerical measure is **meaningless **unless followed by
a unit used since it identifies the characteristic or property measured.

In order that the results of the measurement are meaningful, there are **two basic
requirements**:

 1. The standard used for comparison purposes must be accurately defined and should
    be commonly accepted.
 2. The apparatus used and the method adopted must be provable.

## **Evolution of Measurement Techniques**

 * Measurement techniques have been essential since the dawn of human civilization,
   initially used to regulate fair exchanges in barter trade.
 * The industrial revolution of the nineteenth century spurred rapid development
   in new instruments and measurement techniques to meet the demands of industrialized
   production.
 * Subsequently, there has been significant growth in industrial technology, particularly
   driven by advancements in [electronics ](https://studyelectrical.com/electronics)
   and computers in the latter part of the twentieth century.
 * This technological progress has necessitated a parallel development of new instruments
   and measurement techniques.
 * The widespread application of computers in industrial process control and monitoring
   has increased the demand for instruments to measure, record, and control process
   variables.
 * Modern production techniques require increasingly tighter accuracy limits, and
   economic pressures to reduce production costs intensify, posing challenges for
   instruments to be both accurate and cost-effective.
 * Instrument manufacturers focus their research and development efforts on addressing
   this challenge.
 * In recent years, digital computing power has been incorporated into instruments
   to improve accuracy cost-effectively.
 * Intelligent instruments featuring digital computing capabilities are prominently
   featured in current instrument manufacturers’ catalogs.

## **Significance of Measurements**

The importance of measurement is simply and eloquently expressed in the following
statement of the famous physicist [Lord Kelvin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord_Kelvin):

> “I often say that when you can measure what you are speaking about and can express
> it in numbers, you know something about it; when you cannot express it in numbers,
> your knowledge is of a meagre and unsatisfactory kind.”

The advancement of Science and Technology is dependent upon a parallel progress 
in measurement techniques. The reasons for this are obvious. As Science and Technology
move ahead, new phenomena and relationships are discovered, and these advances make
new types of measurements imperative.

New discoveries are not of any practical utility unless the results are backed by
actual measurements. The measurements confirm the validity of a hypothesis but also
add to its understanding. This results in an unending chain which leads to new discoveries
that require more, new, and sophisticated measurement techniques. Hence, modern 
Science and Technology are associated with sophisticated methods of measurement.

There are two major functions of all branches of engineering:

 1. Design of equipment and processes.
 2. Proper operation and maintenance of equipment and processes.

Both these functions require measurements. This is because proper and economical
design, operation, and maintenance require a feedback of information. Measurements
play a significant role in achieving goals and objectives of Engineering because
of the feedback information supplied by them.

## Summary

| Aspect | Description | 
| **What is Measurement?** | The act or result of comparing a quantity to a predefined standard, converting physical parameters into meaningful numbers. | 
|  | The measuring process compares the property of an object/system to an accepted standard unit. | 
|  | The numerical measure is obtained by determining how many times the standard unit fits into the quantity being measured. | 
|  | Requires accurately defined and commonly accepted standards, as well as provable apparatus and methods. | 
| **Significance of Measurements** | Measurement is crucial for understanding and advancing science and technology. | 
|  | Measurements validate hypotheses and enhance understanding, leading to new discoveries and requiring sophisticated techniques. | 
|  | Measurements are essential for the practical utility of new discoveries in science and technology. | 
| **Functions in Engineering** | Measurement plays a vital role in the design, operation, and maintenance of equipment and processes in all branches of engineering. | 
|  | Proper design, operation, and maintenance require feedback information provided by measurements. |

 * Measurement involves comparing a quantity to a predefined standard, resulting
   in numerical values that convert physical parameters into meaningful numbers.
 * For measurements to be meaningful, two basic requirements must be met: accurately
   defined and commonly accepted standards, and provable apparatus and methods.
 * Lord Kelvin emphasized the importance of measurement, stating that knowledge 
   expressed in numbers is essential for understanding.
 * Progress in science and technology depends on advancements in measurement techniques,
   as new discoveries rely on accurate measurements for validation and understanding.
 * In engineering, measurement serves two primary functions: the design of equipment
   and processes, and the proper operation and maintenance of these systems.
 * Feedback from measurements is crucial for achieving engineering goals and objectives,
   ensuring proper design, operation, and maintenance for optimal performance.

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