Question

Fill in the blank: \(1 \mathrm{cL}=\) _________ML.

Short answer

1 cL = 10 mL.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Measurements

We're converting centiliters (cL) to milliliters (mL). We need to remember the conversion factor between these two units. 1 centiliter (cL) is equal to 10 milliliters (mL).

Applying the Conversion

Use the conversion factor: 1 centiliter equals 10 milliliters. Therefore, we multiply the number of centiliters (1 cL) by 10 to convert it to milliliters.

Calculating the Answer

Calculate the conversion: \[ 1 ext{ cL} imes 10 ext{ mL/cL} = 10 ext{ mL} \] This tells us that 1 centiliter equals 10 milliliters.

Key concepts

Measurement Units

Measurement units are tools we use to quantify and describe various aspects of the world around us, such as length, weight, volume, and time. These units allow us to convey information accurately, making it possible to share and understand measurements globally.
To ensure that we all understand these concepts, measurement units have been standardized across most of the world through systems like the metric system, which we'll discuss later. In different situations, you might encounter varying units for measuring the same type of quantity, such as the use of liters, milliliters, and centiliters for volume. For example:

• Liters (L) - Commonly used to measure liquids or gases on a large scale, like water consumption.
• Milliliters (mL) - Used for smaller quantities, like a drink you might pour into a glass.
• Centiliters (cL) - Less common but useful for intermediate quantities, such as the volume of a small bottle.

Understanding the relationships between these units through conversion factors is essential to accurately expressing volume in different contexts.

Conversion Factor

A conversion factor is a simple mathematical tool that helps us switch between different measurement units by providing a direct relationship between them. When we want to convert one unit to another, we multiply the value we have by the appropriate conversion factor. This way, we maintain accuracy and ensure easy calculation.
For the conversion between centiliters and milliliters, the conversion factor is straightforward:

• 1 centiliter (cL) equals 10 milliliters (mL).

To apply this, you take the amount you have in centiliters and multiply it by 10 to get the equivalent volume in milliliters. The process is simple and can be used for other unit conversions as well, as long as you know the conversion factor.
Conversion factors simplify the arithmetic of unit conversion, which means you don't have to perform complex calculations or have particular expertise to switch between units, making them very user-friendly.

Metric System

The metric system is a universal way of measuring things, used by most countries worldwide. It makes mathematics and science much easier thanks to its base in powers of ten, allowing for quick and precise calculations and conversions.
In the metric system, each type of measurement like length, volume, or mass, has a base unit. For volume, the base unit is the liter (L). What makes the metric system particularly easy to use are its consistent prefixes that indicate multiples of ten, such as:

• "milli-" (m) indicating one thousandth (0.001). For example, milliliters (mL) are used for smaller volumes.
• "centi-" (c) meaning one hundredth (0.01). As seen in centiliters (cL) for intermediary volumes.

These prefixes allow for clear communication and simplified conversions without complex fractions or calculations. The use of the metric system is advantageous because it provides a common language for scientists, healthcare professionals, and everyday users alike, enhancing both understanding and efficiency in measuring and comparing quantities.