Which statement best describes the significance of the number 10 in the metric system?

• A. The metric system uses 10 different base units for measurement.
• B. The number 10 is only used for length measurements in the metric system.
• C. Metric prefixes are based on powers of 10, making conversions straightforward.
• D. All metric units are multiples of 10 grams.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement, which means it is built around powers of 10.
2. Recognize that metric prefixes (such as kilo-, centi-, milli-) represent multiples or fractions of base units by powers of 10, facilitating easy conversion between units.
3. Note that the number 10 is not about the number of base units or limited to length measurements; rather, it is about the scaling factor used in the system.
4. Recall that the base units in the metric system include meter (length), gram (mass), and liter (volume), but the significance of 10 lies in the prefixes, not the base units themselves.
5. Conclude that the best description is that metric prefixes are based on powers of 10, making conversions straightforward and consistent across different types of measurements.