Which set of metric prefixes have a conversion number of 10 between them?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The set of metric prefixes that have a conversion number of 10 between them includes the following:
- Deci (d)
- Centi (c)
- Milli (m)
- Micro (µ)
- Nano (n)
Each of these prefixes represents a factor of 10 relative to the next larger or smaller unit. For example:
- 1 decimeter (dm) = 10 centimeters (cm)
- 1 centimeter (cm) = 10 millimeters (mm)
- 1 millimeter (mm) = 10 micrometers (µm)
- 1 micrometer (µm) = 10 nanometers (nm)
The decimal system is used in the metric system, and each of these prefixes represents a power of 10. The relationship between these prefixes is linear, meaning that moving from one prefix to the next in either direction (either smaller or larger) involves multiplying or dividing by a factor of 10. This base-10 structure makes conversions between these units straightforward.
For instance, if you need to convert from millimeters to centimeters, you divide by 10 (since 1 cm = 10 mm), while converting from centimeters to decimeters would involve the same factor. Similarly, to convert from kilometers to meters, you multiply by 1000 (since 1 km = 1000 m), and to convert from meters to millimeters, you multiply by 1000 as well.
This predictable pattern of multiplying or dividing by 10 between each prefix simplifies calculations and ensures consistency across the metric system. The ease of conversion within these prefixes makes the metric system especially useful for scientific, engineering, and everyday measurements.