Metric System: Notes

The Metric System

• Definition: The Metric System (or SI, Système international) is the most widely used measurement system, standard for scientific measurements.

• Based on factors of ten, covering:

  • Weights (grams, g)

  • Lengths (meters, m)

  • Volumes (liters, L)

Metric Prefixes and Symbols

• The following summarizes Metric System factors, prefixes, and their symbols:

  • kilo- (k): 1000 = 10², Example: 1 km

  • centi- (c): 0.01 = 10⁻², Example: 1 cm

  • milli- (m): 0.001 = 10⁻³, Example: 1 mm

  • micro- (μ): 0.000001 = 10⁻⁶, Example: 1 μm

  • nano- (n): 0.000000001 = 10⁻⁹, Example: 1 nm

• Note: The abbreviation for liters is often capitalized as "L" to avoid confusion with the number "1."

Length Measurement

• The metric unit for length is the meter (m). Common conversions include:

  • 1 km = 1 x 10³ m

  • 1 cm = 1 x 10² m

  • 1 mm = 1 x 10⁻³ m

  • 1 μm = 1 x 10⁻⁶ m

  • 1 nm = 1 x 10⁻⁹ m

Mass Measurement

• The metric unit for mass is the gram (g). Common conversions include:

  • 1 kg = 1 x 10³ g

  • 1 mg = 1 x 10⁻³ g

  • 1 μg = 1 x 10⁻⁶ g

  • 1 ng = 1 x 10⁻⁹ g

Volume Measurement

• The metric unit for volume is the liter (L). Common conversions include:

  • 1 L = 1 x 10⁻¹ L

  • 1 mL = 1 x 10⁻³ L

  • 1 μL = 1 x 10⁻⁶ L

Additional Information

• Quiz: Take the "Metric System" quizlet available on HuskyCT.