Metric Conversions We only use metrics in Chemistry 5 kg = _______ mg 3.5 liters = _____ ml 4 cm 3 = ____ ml 250 cm = _____ m

The Metric System Compared to the English System: Mass = ? Volume = ? Length = ?

Metric is based on decimals. Converting English units involves number changes: miles to inches. Metric conversions simply involve moving the decimal point ( a power of ten). Which way you move the decimal depends on whether going from a larger unit (Kg) to smaller (g) or the opposite. Big to small – move it ?? Small to big – move it ??

Ok, the size of units is represented by a set of prefixes! Kilo = 1000 of anything. That’s 3 decimal place moves because of 3 zeros. Centi =.01, that’s 1/100 th of something; like 1 penny is.01 of a dollar. 1cent = $0.01. That’s 2 decimal place moves. Milli =.001, that’s 1/1000 th of something; like 1 mm =.001 of a meter. 3 decimal moves.

What are the Base units in Metric?

Kilo  base unit  centi  milli 3 places 2 1 So, from Kilograms to grams, you move the decimal 3 places to the right. From Kg’s to milligrams, you move it 6 places to the right. From milligrams to grams, you move the decimal 3 places to the left! Then, 5 kilograms = _____ mg ? And it works the same for all conversions !!!

Remember Use the conversion for a while, but learn how to covert metric units without it. When converting metric problems, only the decimal changes, NEVER the actual number. 4.2 kg = 4200 grams.

Try These Mass: 6.5 kg = ___ g0.5 Kg = ___ g150 kg = ___ g 550 g = ____ kg1250 g = ___ kg 0.5 g = ___ kg Volume: 5.5 liters(l) = ___ ml1750 L = ___ ml0.45 L = __ ml 250 ml = ___ L1500 ml = ___ L750 ml = ___ L Length:4 km = ___ m2.5 km = ___m0.75 km = ___ m 2500 m = ___ km500 m = ___ km 6 m = ___ cm 0.40 m = ___ cm 250 cm = ___ m75 cm = ___ m 5 m = ___ mm800 mm = ___ m * 7.5 km = ___ cm5.5 km = ___ mm

Now, let’s try these !