Principles of Chemistry: Metric Prefixes and S.I. Units

A comprehensive vocabulary review of metric prefixes, standard S.I. base units, and derived units for introductory chemistry.

Pico

A metric prefix representing one trillionth, denoted by the symbol $p$, with a conversion factor of $\times 10^{-12}$.

Nano

A metric prefix representing one billionth, denoted by the symbol $n$, with a conversion factor of $\times 10^{-9}$.

Micro

A metric prefix representing one millionth, denoted by the symbol $\mu$, with a conversion factor of $\times 10^{-6}$.

Milli

A metric prefix representing one thousandth, denoted by the symbol $m$, with a conversion factor of $\times 10^{-3}$.

Centi

A metric prefix representing one hundreth, denoted by the symbol $c$, with a conversion factor of $\times 10^{-2}$.

Deci

A metric prefix representing one tenth, denoted by the symbol $d$, with a conversion factor of $\times 10^{-1}$.

Kilo

A metric prefix representing one thousand, denoted by the symbol $k$, with a conversion factor of $\times 10^{3}$.

Mega

A metric prefix representing one million, denoted by the symbol $M$, with a conversion factor of $\times 10^{6}$.

Giga

A metric prefix representing one billion, denoted by the symbol $G$, with a conversion factor of $\times 10^{9}$.

Meter

The standard S.I. unit of length, designated by the symbol $m$.

Kilogram

The standard S.I. unit of mass, designated by the symbol $kg$.

Second

The standard S.I. unit of time, designated by the symbol $s$.

Kelvin

The standard S.I. unit of temperature, designated by the symbol $K$.

Mole

The standard S.I. unit for amount of substance, designated by the symbol $mol$.

Ampere

The standard S.I. unit of electric current, designated by the symbol $A$.

Volume

A derived unit in chemistry where $1\,\text{dm}^3 = 1\,\text{liter (L)}$ and $1\,\text{cm}^3 = 1\,\text{milliliter (mL)}$.

Density

A derived unit defined by the formula $d = \frac{\text{mass}}{\text{volume}}$, typically expressed in units of $\text{g/cm}^3$ or $\text{g/mL}$.