Question

Convert the following to the equivalent measures indicated. \(0.45 \mathrm{~L}=\) ______ \(\mathrm{mL}\)

Short answer

0.45 L is 450 mL.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Conversion Factor

To convert liters to milliliters, we use the conversion factor that 1 liter is equal to 1000 milliliters. This means for every liter, there are 1000 milliliters.

Set Up the Conversion

Multiply the given volume in liters by the conversion factor to find the volume in milliliters. We have: \[ 0.45 \text{ L} \times 1000 \frac{\text{mL}}{\text{L}} = ? \text{ mL} \]

Perform the Calculation

Calculate the product: \[ 0.45 \times 1000 = 450 \] Thus, 0.45 liters is equal to 450 milliliters.

Key concepts

Conversion Factor

When dealing with unit conversions, understanding what a conversion factor is can greatly simplify the process. A conversion factor is a number used to change one set of units to another, by multiplying or dividing. For measurements involving volume, like converting from liters to milliliters, knowing the conversion factor is crucial.

For example:

• The conversion factor for converting liters to milliliters is 1000. This means 1 liter is equivalent to 1000 milliliters.
• This conversion factor allows us to accurately convert between these two units of measurement without guesswork.

Once you know the conversion factor, you multiply the quantity you have by this number to convert it. This clears the path for easy conversions between units.

Liters to Milliliters

Changing measurement units from liters to milliliters is a common task in various fields such as cooking and science. The relationship between these two units is simple, thanks to the conversion factor of 1000.

Here’s how it works:

• Liters (L) are a metric unit of volume. They are commonly used for larger quantities of liquid.
• Milliliters (mL), on the other hand, are often used for smaller amounts of liquid.
• Since 1 liter = 1000 milliliters, if you have any amount in liters, you can find out how many milliliters it is by multiplying by 1000.

This makes switching back and forth between these units quick and straightforward. It is just a matter of applying the multiplication with the constant conversion factor.

Measurement Equivalence

Measurement equivalence plays a vital role when converting from one unit to another. It ensures that despite changing the unit of measurement, the quantity or size of what you're measuring remains the same.

Understanding this concept is essential because:

• It helps maintain consistency across different measurements and ensures accuracy.
• For example, 0.45 liters is the same volume as 450 milliliters, even though the numbers appear different. They both represent the same amount of liquid.
• This principle allows you to move fluidly between measurements without any change in the actual size or volume of the substance you are working with.

By knowing measurement equivalence, we can make accurate conversions across different measurement systems.

Mathematical Calculation

When faced with converting units, mathematical calculation is the step where you apply what you've learned about conversion factors and measurement equivalence. By setting up the calculation properly, the conversion becomes a straightforward process.

Here’s a breakdown of how to handle these calculations:

• First, identify the starting measurement (in this case, 0.45 liters) and the desired unit (milliliters).
• Apply the conversion factor. Multiply the liters by 1000 to convert them into milliliters. For this problem, 0.45 liters multiplied by 1000 equals 450 milliliters.
• Carry out the multiplication to find the converted value: \[0.45 \times 1000 = 450\] This calculation step confirms that the equivalent measurement in milliliters is accurate.

By double-checking the calculations, you ensure that the conversion is correct and reliable. It serves not only as a mathematical practice but also as a means of confirming equivalence between units.