Area is a fundamental quantity because it can be measured directly.

### Why this is right The statement is false because area is a **derived quantity**: it is obtained by multiplying lengths, rather than being one of the independent base quantities. Being measurable directly does not make a quantity fundamental. ### The concept A fundamental quantity is defined independently, while a derived quantity is built from fundamental quantities. Area is length multiplied by length, so its unit is square metres, written $\text{m}^2$. Speed is another derived quantity because it is distance divided by time. ### The concept The distinction is about how a quantity is defined, not whether an instrument can measure it. ### Terms - **Fundamental quantity**: an independent base quantity not defined using other quantities. - **Derived quantity**: a quantity formed by mathematically combining base quantities. - **Area**: the measure of a surface, commonly expressed as length multiplied by width. ### Remember A quantity built from other quantities is derived, even if it is easy to measure.