Question

Write a conversion factor relating cubic centimeters and milliliters.

Short answer

The conversion factor relating cubic centimeters (cc or cm³) and milliliters (mL) is 1 cm³ = 1 mL or 1 mL = 1 cm³, as both units represent the same volume occupied by a cube with 1-centimeter sides.

Step-by-step solution

Define cubic centimeter and milliliter

A cubic centimeter (cc or cm³) is a unit of volume in the metric system, equivalent to the space occupied by a cube with edges of length 1 centimeter. A milliliter (mL) is another unit of volume in the metric system, where 1 milliliter is equal to the volume of a cube with 1-centimeter sides.

Determine the relationship between cubic centimeters and milliliters

Since both cubic centimeters and milliliters represent a volume occupied by a cube with 1-centimeter sides, it means that these units are equal in size. Therefore, 1 cubic centimeter has the same volume as 1 milliliter.

Express the conversion factor

We can now express the conversion factor relating cubic centimeters (cc or cm³) and milliliters (mL) as: 1 cm³ = 1 mL (cubic centimeter to milliliter conversion factor) or 1 mL = 1 cm³ (milliliter to cubic centimeter conversion factor) This conversion factor can be used to convert between cubic centimeters and milliliters in any given volume measurements.

Key concepts

Cubic Centimeters

Understanding the cubic centimeter is essential for grasping volume measurement in the metric system. It is denoted as 'cc' or 'cm³' and represents the volume of a cube whose sides are exactly 1 centimeter in length. Picture a tiny cube, similar to a dice, fitting neatly in the corner of a 1 cm³ graph paper cube. In practical terms, think of a cubic centimeter as the space that a small sugar cube takes up.

This unit is commonly used in medicine and science to describe volumes of liquid or solid substances. For instance, when syringes are used to administer medication, the dosage is often measured in cubic centimeters.

Milliliters

The milliliter, abbreviated as 'mL', is a metric unit of volume that is widely used in cooking, chemistry, and many other practical fields. One milliliter is equivalent to the volume contained in a cube with 1 centimeter sides, which is also the same volume as one cubic centimeter. To visualize a milliliter, picture a medicine dropper that typically holds around 1 mL of liquid.

Understanding this unit is invaluable in everyday life, as it also helps you interpret nutritional labels and medicine dosages, which often use milliliters to quantify volumes of liquids.

Metric System Units

The metric system is an internationally adopted system of measurement that uses units such as meters, liters, and grams. The beauty of the metric system lies in its simplicity and uniformity - it is based on multiples of ten, making conversions straightforward. For volume, the primary unit is the liter, and the milliliter and cubic centimeter are smaller subunits, with 1,000 milliliters in a liter and 1,000 cubic centimeters in a liter as well. This makes calculations and conversions within the metric system a breeze for students and professionals alike.

In everyday language, when people refer to a 'liter of soda' or '500 milliliters of water', they are using metric system units to quantify liquid volumes.

Chemistry Volume Measurement

In chemistry, precise volume measurement is critical. Chemists often deal with reactions where the exact volume of a substance can affect the outcome. Moreover, understanding the relationship between different units of volume, such as cubic centimeters and milliliters, is fundamental when conducting experiments or evaluating results.

Various laboratory instruments, such as graduated cylinders, pipettes, and burettes, are calibrated in metric units (milliliters and liters) to allow accurate measurement of liquids. Knowing that 1 cubic centimeter is equal to 1 milliliter simplifies calculations and conversions, ensuring that chemists can conduct their work with precision and confidence.