Conversion factors are essential tools for changing a measurement from one
unit to another within the same base quantity. They are based on the
established relationships between different units of measurement.
Understanding conversion factors requires a solid grasp of the base
quantities themselves. Let's explore this in detail, organized by base
quantity:
II. Conversion Factors for Each Base Quantity:
A. Length: - Meters (m) to Centimeters (cm): 1 m = 100 cm (Conversion
factor: 100 cm/1 m or 1 m/100 cm)
- Meters (m) to Kilometers (km): 1 km = 1000 m (Conversion factor: 1000
m/1 km or 1 km/1000 m)
- Meters (m) to Inches (in): 1 m ≈ 39.37 in (Conversion factor: 39.37 in/1 m
or 1 m/39.37 in)
- Meters (m) to Feet (ft): 1 m ≈ 3.281 ft (Conversion factor: 3.281 ft/1 m or 1
m/3.281 ft)
- Miles (mi) to Kilometers (km): 1 mi ≈ 1.609 km (Conversion factor: 1.609
km/1 mi or 1 mi/1.609 km)
B. Mass: - Kilograms (kg) to Grams (g): 1 kg = 1000 g (Conversion factor:
1000 g/1 kg or 1 kg/1000 g)
- Kilograms (kg) to Milligrams (mg): 1 kg = 1,000,000 mg (Conversion factor:
1,000,000 mg/1 kg or 1 kg/1,000,000 mg)
- Kilograms (kg) to Pounds (lb): 1 kg ≈ 2.205 lb (Conversion factor: 2.205
lb/1 kg or 1 kg/2.205 lb)
- Pounds (lb) to Ounces (oz): 1 lb = 16 oz (Conversion factor: 16 oz/1 lb or 1
lb/16 oz)
C. Time: - Seconds (s) to Minutes (min): 1 min = 60 s (Conversion factor: 60
s/1 min or 1 min/60 s)
- Seconds (s) to Hours (hr): 1 hr = 3600 s (Conversion factor: 3600 s/1 hr or
1 hr/3600 s)
- Minutes (min) to Hours (hr): 1 hr = 60 min (Conversion factor: 60 min/1 hr
or 1 hr/60 min)
- Days to Seconds: 1 day = 86400 s
D. Electric Current (Ampere): Conversions are typically within the SI system
(milliamperes, kiloamperes, etc.) using powers of 10.
E. Thermodynamic Temperature (Kelvin): Conversions often involve Celsius
(°C) and Fahrenheit (°F):
- Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C): K = °C + 273.15 (requires a formula, not just a
simple ratio)
- Celsius (°C) to Fahrenheit (°F): °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32 (requires a formula,
not just a simple ratio)
F. Amount of Substance (Mole): Conversions often involve Avogadro's
number (6.022 x 10²³ particles/mol).
G. Luminous Intensity (Candela): Conversions are less common for everyday
use.
III. Using Conversion Factors:
To convert a measurement, multiply the original value by the appropriate
conversion factor. Choose the conversion factor that cancels the original unit
and leaves the desired unit. For example:
To convert 2.5 meters to centimeters:
2.5 m × (100 cm / 1 m) = 250 cm
The "m" units cancel, leaving the answer in centimeters.
IV. Important Considerations:
- Significant Figures: Pay attention to significant figures when performing
calculations involving conversion factors. The result should not have more
significant figures than the least precise measurement.
- Unit Consistency: Ensure all units are consistent throughout the calculation.
- Dimensional Analysis: This technique helps verify that the units cancel
correctly, leading to the desired unit in the final answer.