Decimal prefixes

The system of units used in chemistry is the SI system (Systeme International), which is related to the metric system. There are base units for length, mass, etc. and decimal prefixes that modify the base unit. Since most of us do not tend to think in these units, it is important to be able to convert back and forth from the English system to the SI system. These three conversions are useful ones, although knowing the others might allow you to simplify your calculations ... 

Amperes and candelas are rarely used in chemistry. The name "kilogram" occurs for the SI base unit of mass for historical reasons. Derived units are formed from the kilogram, but appropriate decimal prefixes are attached to the word "gram."... 

The situation for numbers ending in zeros that are not to the right of the decimal point can be unclear, so this situation should be avoided by using scientific notation or a different decimal prefix. 

In the International System there is only one SI unit for each physical quantity. This is either the appropriate SI base unit itself (see table 3.3) or the appropriate SI derived unit (see tables 3.4 and 3.5). However, any of the approved decimal prefixes, called SI prefixes, may be used to construct decimal multiples or submultiples of SI units (see table 3.6). 

Common Decimal Prefixes Used with SI Units... 

Conversion factors are ratios of equivalent quantities having different units they are used in calculations to change the units of quantities. Decimal prefixes and exponential notation are used to express very large or very small quantities. (Section 1.3)... 

The SI system is based on seven fundamental units, or base units, each identified with a physical quantity (Table 1.1). All other units are derived units, combinations of the seven base units. For example, the derived unit for speed, meters per second (m/s), is the base unit for length (m) divided by the base unit for time (s). (Derived units that are a ratio of base units can be used as conversion factors.) For quantities much smaller or larger than the base unit, we use decimal prefixes and exponential (scientific) notation (Table 1.2). (If you need a review of exponential notation, see Appendix A.) Because the prefixes are based on powers of 10, SI units are easier to use in calculations than English units. 

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