Question

Perform each unit conversion. MISSED THIS? Read Section 1.8; Watch \(\mathrm{KCV} 1.8, \mathrm{IWE} 1.8\) a. \(154 \mathrm{~cm}\) to in b. \(3.14 \mathrm{~kg}\) to \(\mathrm{g}\) c. \(3.5 \mathrm{~L}\) to \(\mathrm{qt}\) d. \(109 \mathrm{~mm}\) to in

Short answer

a. 60.63 in, b. 3140 g, c. 3.70 qt, d. 4.29 in

Step-by-step solution

Convert Centimeters to Inches

To convert centimeters to inches, use the conversion ratio of 1 inch being equal to 2.54 centimeters. Divide the number of centimeters by this conversion factor. So, \[154 \mathrm{\,cm} = \frac{154}{2.54} \mathrm{\,in} \approx 60.63 \mathrm{\,in}\]

Convert Kilograms to Grams

To convert kilograms to grams, use the conversion factor that 1 kilogram equals 1000 grams. Multiply the number of kilograms by this conversion factor. So, \[3.14 \mathrm{\,kg} = 3.14 \times 1000 \mathrm{\,g} = 3140 \mathrm{\,g}\]

Convert Liters to Quarts

To convert liters to quarts, use the conversion ratio of 1 liter being approximately 1.05669 quarts. Multiply the number of liters by this conversion factor. So, \[3.5 \mathrm{\,L} = 3.5 \times 1.05669 \mathrm{\,qt} \approx 3.70 \mathrm{\,qt}\]

Convert Millimeters to Inches

To convert millimeters to inches, use the conversion factor that 1 inch is equal to 25.4 millimeters. Divide the number of millimeters by this conversion factor. So, \[109 \mathrm{\,mm} = \frac{109}{25.4} \mathrm{\,in} \approx 4.29 \mathrm{\,in}\]

Key concepts

Centimeters to Inches

Understanding how to convert centimeters (cm) to inches (in) is a fundamental skill in chemistry and other scientific fields, where precise measurements are essential. The key to this conversion is the standard factor: 1 inch is equivalent to 2.54 centimeters. To perform the conversion, you divide the number of centimeters by 2.54.

For example, if you have a length of 154 cm and you want to know how many inches that is, you divide 154 by 2.54, which gives you approximately 60.63 inches. It's important to remember to use a calculator for the best accuracy in conversion, particularly when dealing with decimal numbers.

Kilograms to Grams

When working with mass in chemistry, converting kilograms (kg) to grams (g) is a common task. This conversion is quite straightforward since the metric system is designed for ease of scaling. One kilogram is equal to 1,000 grams. To convert, you simply need to multiply the number of kilograms by 1,000.

For instance, converting 3.14 kg to grams involves multiplying 3.14 by 1,000, resulting in 3,140 grams. This conversion is useful for lab measurements where grams are the more commonly used unit of mass. Keeping in mind the ease of multiplication by 1,000 (essentially moving the decimal point three places to the right) can simplify this process significantly.

Liters to Quarts

Volume conversions between liters (L) and quarts (qt) are often necessary in both chemistry and cooking. Although they are both units of volume, they belong to different systems of measurement; liters are metric, while quarts are U.S. customary units. The conversion factor to remember is that 1 liter is approximately equal to 1.05669 quarts.

To convert liters to quarts, you multiply the number of liters by the conversion factor. For example, to convert 3.5 L to quarts, you would calculate 3.5 times 1.05669 to get approximately 3.70 quarts. This conversion factor should be used when precision is required, for instance, in chemical recipes or experiments.

Millimeters to Inches

Millimeters (mm) to inches (in) conversion is yet another essential skill for precise measurement. This is especially relevant in fields that require exacting specifications, such as engineering or manufacturing. The conversion factor here is that 1 inch equals 25.4 millimeters.

To make the conversion, you divide the number of millimeters by 25.4. For example, to convert 109 mm to inches, you perform the calculation 109 divided by 25.4 to achieve an approximate result of 4.29 inches. Remember that this conversion factor is integral to obtaining accurate measurements when switching between the metric system and customary units used in the United States.