Question

Convert the following metric measures by moving the decimal. \(1 \mathrm{~L}=\) ______\(\mathrm{mL}\)

Short answer

1 L = 1000 mL

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Conversion Factor

To convert liters to milliliters, we use the conversion factor: 1 liter is equal to 1000 milliliters. This means that 1 L = 1000 mL.

Multiply by the Conversion Factor

Since 1 liter is 1000 milliliters, we multiply the given amount (in liters) by 1000 to get the number of milliliters. So, for our problem: 1 L × 1000 = 1000 mL.

Move the Decimal Point

To convert 1 liter to milliliters by moving the decimal, you should move the decimal point 3 places to the right (because there are 3 zeros in 1000). Starting from 1, moving the decimal 3 places to the right gives us 1000.

Confirm the Result

After performing the multiplication and moving the decimal, the final conversion gives us 1000 mL, confirming that 1 liter equals 1000 milliliters.

Key concepts

Liters to Milliliters

Converting liters to milliliters is a straightforward process once you understand the relationship between these two units of measurement. In the metric system, which is widely used around the world, liters and milliliters are units for volume. The term "milli" in milliliters stands for "thousandth," which means there are 1,000 milliliters in one liter. This makes the conversion easy since it’s a matter of scaling by a factor of 1,000. When you see a measurement in liters and need to convert it to milliliters, you simply multiply the number of liters by 1,000. This is because you're increasing the number of units to account for the smaller size of each milliliter compared to a liter.

Conversion Factor

The conversion factor is a key piece of information that tells us how many milliliters are equivalent to one liter. In mathematics and science, a conversion factor is used to change the units of a measurement without changing its actual size or amount. Conversion factors are especially important in the metric system because they allow for easily switching between different units of the same property. For our specific case of converting 1 liter to milliliters, the conversion factor is 1000 mL per 1 L. It simplifies calculations by establishing that we can convert by simply multiplying by this factor. Knowing and using conversion factors skillfully is essential for performing accurate calculations across various units, ensuring you always use measurements in the most convenient and understandable way.

Decimal Movement

Decimal movement is a quick and intuitive method for converting between metric units. Since metric units are based on powers of 10, shifting the decimal point allows us to easily adjust our numbers without complex calculations. For instance, when converting from liters to milliliters, you can move the decimal point three places to the right. This is because multiplying by 1,000 (the conversion factor) is equivalent to moving the decimal three places. Imagine the number 1 as 1.000; moving the decimal three places to the right converts it into 1000. This method is highly efficient and reduces potential errors, making it a go-to strategy in mathematical conversions within the metric system.

Milliliter Calculation

Milliliter calculation, as it relates to converting from liters, involves a simple multiplication thanks to the metric system's design. After identifying that 1 liter equals 1,000 milliliters, calculating becomes a matter of multiplying your known volume in liters by 1,000 to find the equivalent volume in milliliters. For example, for the problem at hand where you're converting 1 liter, the calculation is straightforward: - Start with your quantity in liters: 1 L - Multiply by the conversion factor: 1 L × 1000 = 1000 mL This gives you the final result in milliliters, ensuring that the units are correctly expressed. Performing these straightforward calculations reinforces basic mathematical principles while efficiently converting between units. This ability to calculate quickly is vital for anyone dealing with volume measurements in scientific, educational, or everyday contexts.