How many cubic centimeters are there in a liter? A. 100 B. 10 C. 1,000 D. 10,000
The correct answer is C. 1,000 cubic centimeters in a liter.
Explanation
A liter is a fundamental unit of volume in the metric system, commonly used to measure liquids. One liter is defined as the volume occupied by one cubic decimeter, which is equivalent to 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm³). This relationship is based on the decimal-based structure of the metric system, where measurements are systematically arranged in multiples of ten.
To understand this conversion, consider the centimeter, which is a basic unit of length. A cubic centimeter represents a cube with dimensions of 1 cm × 1 cm × 1 cm. When 1,000 of these small cubes are combined, they form a larger cube with dimensions of 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm, equivalent to one liter.
This conversion is widely used in various fields, including medicine, chemistry, and engineering. For instance, in medical prescriptions, liquid medicines are often measured in milliliters, where 1 milliliter (mL) equals 1 cubic centimeter (cm³). Similarly, in laboratory experiments, precise measurements of liquids rely on the understanding that 1 liter = 1,000 cm³, ensuring accuracy in formulations.
Moreover, this standardized measurement helps in daily life applications, such as packaging beverages and household liquids. Bottled water, juices, and cleaning solutions are labeled in liters or milliliters, simplifying volume calculations. When converting between units, this metric relationship ensures consistency and ease of use in scientific and everyday contexts.
Understanding the connection between liters and cubic centimeters enhances numerical literacy and supports accurate measurement in diverse disciplines.
