1. The Metric System

2. What is the Metric System?
The standard measurement system for science
All sciences use the metric system (including this class)
Conversions will be a necessary skill not only for this class, but for chemistry and physics
This system is much easier to use than the English Imperial System

3. Common SI Units Measurement Unit Abbreviation _________ Meter m
_____ kilogram kg
_____ Second s
__________ Kelvin K
Electric current ampere A
__________ liter L

4. Prefixes for LARGE Measurements
Prefix Symbol Meaning Mult. Of Base Power
Deca da ________
Hecto h ________
Kilo k ________ 1,
Mega M ________ 1,000,
Giga G ________ 1,000,000,

5. Prefixes for small Measurements
Prefix Symbol Meaning Mult. Of Base Power
Deci __ tenth
Centi __ hundredth
Milli m _________
Micro u _______
Nano __ billionth

6. Conversion Steps 6. Write your final answer with the new unit
1. Rewrite given number, write in decimal (if not present)
2. Find the beginning and ending units on your conversion chart
3. Count how many times you ‘jump’/ Which way do you move?
4. Draw in jumps from beginning decimal/ Draw a new decimal and cross out the beginning decimal
5. Add zeros in the jumps
6. Write your final answer with the new unit

7. Examples 1. 1.85m = ___________cm 2. 3.5 km = ___________cm
km = ___________ mm
m = ___________ km
cm = ___________km

8. More Practice 1. 0.55km = ___________mm 2. 1,549 cm = __________m
,543 um = ___________cm
cm =_______________um