1. The Metric System
Seo
Physics

2. What is the Metric System?
Aka. S.I. System (International Standards)
A tool for measurement of different values
Because it is a system, it is very consistent
Each quantity has a basic unit of measurement, and prefixes are used to denote multiples of that unit in factors of 10.
For Example:
Length
Mass
Volume
Time

3. Common Metric Units Table
Quantity Base Unit Symbol
Length meter m
Mass gram g
Volume liters m3 (cubic meter)
Time second t
Force Newton N
Temperature Celsius C or K (Kelvins)

4. Mega, Kilo, Centi, Mili, Micro, and Nano
Metric Prefix
A prefix is added to a base unit to indicate the multiplication factor for that value.
The multiplication factors are always powers of 10
There are over 20 different prefixes
The most common prefixes we will use in this class are:
Mega, Kilo, Centi, Mili, Micro, and Nano

5. Metric Prefix Table Prefix Prefix Symbol Multiplier
Mega M = 1,000,000
Kilo K = 1,000
BASE UNIT none = 1
Centi c = 0.01
Milli m = 0.001
Micro µ (Mu) pronounced as Mew =
Nano n =

7. Domino Method Part 1.

8. What is a Domino Method? The top of the "domino" is the numerator
It is a method of dimensional analysis (conversion method)
Helpful when converting between units.
Rule of Thumb:
The top of the "domino" is the numerator
The bottom is the denominator
The horizontal line is one long fraction bar (or division sign)

9. 3 Steps for the Domino Method
(1) In the first "domino", place the amount and units that are going to be converted
(2) In the remaining "dominoes":
The conversion factors (i.e. between English and Metric units)
The multipliers for metric units (prefix unit to base unit or base unit to prefix unit)
(3) Calculate the "domino" by multiplying values on the top and dividing by values on the bottom.
NOTE: The top and bottom of any domino MUST be equivalent .

10. Example Problem 𝟏.𝟑𝟓∗ 𝟏𝟎 𝟏 𝑲𝒈 𝒐𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝟏𝟑.𝟓 𝑲𝒈
Metric to metric conversions (MUST use a domino):
13500 g to Kg
The Final Ans. should have 3 Sig Figs and in Scientific Notation Format:
𝟏.𝟑𝟓∗ 𝟏𝟎 𝟏 𝑲𝒈 𝒐𝒓 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝟏𝟑.𝟓 𝑲𝒈

11. Practice 1
1. Metric to metric conversions (MUST use a domino)
2. Final Answer in Sig Figs and Scientific Notations
1520 liters to milliliters
The Final Ans. should have 3 Sig Figs and in Scientific Notation Format:
𝟏.𝟓𝟐∗𝟏 𝟎 𝟔 𝒎𝑳

12. Multiple Conversions 𝟐.𝟐𝟓∗ 𝟏𝟎 −𝟐 𝑲𝒎
1. Metric to metric conversions (MUST use a domino)
2. Final Answer in Sig Figs and Scientific Notations
2250 cm to km ** cm to m first. Then, to km**
The Final Ans. should have 3 Sig Figs and in Scientific Notation Format:
𝟐.𝟐𝟓∗ 𝟏𝟎 −𝟐 𝑲𝒎

13. DIY 1
1. Metric to metric conversions (MUST use a domino)
2. Final Answer in Sig Figs and Scientific Notations
0.018 kg to mg
The Final Ans. should have 2 Sig Figs and in Scientific Notation Format:
𝟏.𝟖∗ 𝟏𝟎 𝟒 𝒎𝒈

14. Handy-dandy Cheat Sheet for Metric Conversions
Here are some common English -aka. USA – Metric equivalence's periodically used in this class.
Please copy them down on your notes!!!
(You DO NOT need to memorize them)
1 in = 2.54 cm oz = g
1 ft = m lb = 454 g
1 yd = m qt = L
1 mi = 1.61 km gal = L

15. Practice 1
Metric to metric conversions (MUST use a domino):
5.5 oz to g
The Final Ans. should have 2 Sig Figs and in Scientific Notation Format:
𝟏.𝟔∗ 𝟏𝟎 𝟐 𝒈