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Chapter 1: Problem 6

What is a conversion factor?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A conversion factor is a ratio that represents the relationship between two different units and is used to convert a quantity expressed in one unit to another unit. For instance, to convert inches to cm, the conversion factor of 2.54 (1 inch = 2.54 cm) is used.

Step by step solution

01

Define Conversion Factor

A conversion factor is a ratio (or fraction) which represents the relationship between two different units. A conversion factor is always equal to 1.
02

Explain Application

The reason we use conversion factors is because they allow us to covert a quantity expressed in one unit to another unit. This is achieved by multiplying the original measurement by the conversion factor.
03

Example

For instance, if you want to convert inch to centimeter, the conversion factor could be \(1 inch = 2.54 cm\) or \(2.54 cm = 1 inch\). If you have 5 inches and you want to know how many centimeters that would be, you'd multiply 5 inches by the conversion factor (2.54 cm/inch), i.e., \(5 inches * 2.54 cm/inch = 12.7 cm\). That means 5 inches is equal to 12.7 cm.

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