Which metric unit would you use to measure the mass of a small insect?

• A. Gram
• B. Meter
• C. Liter
• D. Newton

Answer: (A)

Mass is the amount of matter in an object, and grams are the appropriate unit for small masses. A small insect has a mass that’s conveniently measured in grams on a balance scale. The other units fit different quantities: meters measure length, liters measure volume, and newtons measure force (weight). Since we’re quantifying how much matter the insect contains, grams is the best choice.