Observables and measurement
Choose the physical quantity you want to investigate, specify the point, event or location involved, and explain how a reading relates to that quantity.
Key knowledge
A measurement target must specify the quantity, the object or phenomenon, and relevant conditions. The measuring process can alter that target, so the indication need not equal the value of the undisturbed target.
Conditions and scope
- This statement concerns classical measurement practice and VIM measurands.
- It does not define a quantum observable or assert that all observables can be measured simultaneously.
Sources · 9
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
- International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM3)Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM)Reference guideInternational Vocabulary of Metrology · 1.1 QuantityInternational Vocabulary of Metrology · 2.3 MeasurandInternational Vocabulary of Metrology · 2.6 Measurement procedureInternational Vocabulary of Metrology · 4.1 IndicationInternational Vocabulary of Metrology · 2.9 Measurement result
- Physics Part I · Chapter One: Units and MeasurementNational Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), IndiaTextbook chapter · PDF
- NIST Technical Note 1297 · Appendix D4: Measurand defined by the measurement method; characterization of test methods; simple calibrationNIST · Physical Measurement LaboratoryReference guide
- International vocabulary of metrology, third edition (2012)Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM)Reference guide · PDF
- Vocabulário Internacional de Metrologia · VIM 2012Inmetro and Instituto Português da QualidadeReference guide · PDF
Evidence and review
VIM 2.3 notes 1 and 3, including voltmeter loading and temperature conditions.
2026-10-10 · Specified measurand and measurement disturbance only; quantum operator theory is outside this check.
Foundational review
2026-10-10 · Fresh primary-source inspection of the complete compact record, including every statement, equation, quantity and material condition, followed by independent AI editorial review. This check does not certify all linked lessons or every passage of every cited publication.
Sources from other places
Agreement within this scope
Classical measurands require quantity, object/state and measurement conditions; loading can change the measured system.
The vocabulary distinguishes a specified measurand from the quantity obtained after measurement disturbance.
Inmetro and Instituto Português da Qualidade
- Vocabulário Internacional de Metrologia · VIM 2012 Brazil and PortugalPortugueseShared standard
2.3 Measurand, notes1–3; printed pp16–17
- Vocabulário Internacional de Metrologia · VIM 2012
Related articles
Observables and operational definitions ↗Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- observables
- Revision
- reference-core.1
- Published lesson seed
- observables