ChemTeacher Lessons
-
Science
- Math in Science
- Scientific Method
- Lab Safety
-
Atoms and Molecules
- History of the Atom
- Models for the Atom
- Subatomic Particles
- Periodic Table
- Periodic Trends
- Bonding
- Polyatomic Ions
-
Reactions
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- Reaction Types
- Stoichiometry
- Combustion
-
Acids/Bases
- Theory
- Equilibria
- Titration
-
Solutions
-
Redox
- Oxidation States
- Half-Reactions
- Redox Stoichiometry
- Electric Potential
- Gases
-
Thermochemistry
-
Quantum Theory
-
Nuclear
- Nuclear Particles
- Nuclear Reactions
- Power and Energy
-
Organic
- Nomenclature
- Alkanes
- Alkenes
- Alkynes
ChemEdDL Resource Paks
-
Resource Paks
- Periodic Table
Login
Guest is currently logged in.
Metric Prefixes
Science - Math in Science |
Metric prefixes, or SI prefixes, are words that precede a base unit to let you know the multiplication factor used. These multiplication factors are used to convert between two units.
For example:
5 cm = 5 centimeters = 5*10-2 m = 0.05 m
15 Gs = 15 gigaseconds = 15*109 s = 15,000,000,000 s
Prefix | Symbol | Multplication | Factor |
yotta | Y | 1024 | One Septillion |
zetta | Z | 1021 | One Sextillion |
exa | E | 1018 | One Quintillion |
peta | P | 1015 | One Quadrillion |
tera | T | 1012 | One Trillion |
giga | G | 109 | One Billion |
mega | M | 106 | One Million |
kilo | k | 104 | One Thousand |
hecto | h | 102 | One Hundred |
deka | da | 10 | Ten |
deci | d | 10-1 | One Tenth |
centi | c | 10-2 | One Hundredth |
milli | m | 10-3 | One Thousandth |
micro | μ | 10-6 | One Millionth |
nano | n | 10-9 | One Billionth |
pico | p | 10-12 | One Trillionth |
femto | f | 10-15 | One Quadrillionth |
atto | a | 10-18 | One Quintillionth |
septo | z | 10-21 | One Sextillionth |
yocto | y | 10-24 | One Septillionth |
Vocabulary
Learn important vocabulary for this concept, including words that might appear in assessments (tests, quizzes, homework, etc.) that indicate the use of this concept.
Term | Context |
Computer Animations
Experience computer simulators or animations that illustrate the concept discussed here. Many simulators or animations come with worksheets for use in class.
http://www.braingle.com/trivia/13186/metric-prefixes.html | |
http://people.sinclair.edu/nickreeder/Flash/engPrefix.htm | |
http://www.quia.com/rr/30535.html?AP_rand=959892586 |
Study Aides
Uncover helpful study tools, such as a mnemonic device or alternative ways to master the concept.
Kids Have Dropped Over Dead Converting Metrics
(Kilo Hecto Deka (Units) Deci Centi Milli)
Kangaroos Hop Down British Driveways Carrying M&Ms
(Kilo Hecto Deka BASE Deci Centi Milli)
Comments (1)