Based on the definition of the prefix, which metric prefix represents a factor of 10^{-6}?

• A. milli-
• B. micro-
• C. nano-
• D. centi-

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that metric prefixes represent specific powers of ten, which help express very large or very small quantities in a compact form.
2. Identify the meaning of each prefix given: milli- corresponds to \$10^{-3}\(, micro- corresponds to \)10^{-6}\(, nano- corresponds to \)10^{-9}\(, and centi- corresponds to \)10^{-2}$.
3. Understand that the problem asks for the prefix representing a factor of \$10^{-6}$, which means the quantity is one millionth of the base unit.
4. Match the factor \$10^{-6}$ to the correct prefix from the list, which is micro-.
5. Conclude that the metric prefix representing a factor of \$10^{-6}$ is micro-.