Question

Which of the following is a non-metric unit of mass?
(A) pounds
(B) ounces
(C) both
(D) none

Answer 1

We will first define what a metric system represents and what is the metric system of mass. The metric system is a system used in measurements of different parameters. It uses meter as a base unit of distance (length), liter as a base unit of capacity (volume) and gram as a base unit of weight (mass). Since, we have to comment on the types of measurements of mass, we will use the metric system of mass as a base.

Complete answer:
Let us first analyze how we can measure mass in a metric system of units. In the metric system, to measure anything smaller or larger than the base quantity, we use units derived from the metric units.
The following table shows the values of these derivatives:

Milli	Centi	Deci	Base Unit	Deca	Hecto	Kilo
$\dfrac{1}{1000}$	$\dfrac{1}{100}$	$\dfrac{1}{10}$	$1$	$10$	$100$	$1000$

The above table is a representation of how we can use these derivatives of base terms. For example:
Let us consider the base unit of mass that is gram. Therefore, 1 milligram weight of a substance will mean that it amounts to $\dfrac{1}{1000}$ of a gram, or, 1kilogram weight of a substance means that it amounts to $1000$ gram.
This is the proper representation of any parameter in the metric system of measurements. Now, analyzing the options given in our problem, we have:
The first unit of measurement is pounds. Since, we know that 1 pound is equal to 453.6 grams, thus pounds does not fall under the category of metric systems.
In our second option we have, ounces. Since, 1 ounce is equal to 28.34 grams, even an ounce does not fall under the category of metric system of units.
Hence, we can say that pounds and ounces both are non-metric units of mass.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note: The metric system of measurement was devised first by the Britishers as it was very easy to use and comprehend. It is because of its easy to understand and convenient nature that, The Systeme International (full for SI unit of systems), has made a metric system of measurement as the SI unit of measurement.