Determine the appropriate conversion factors for the following: c. mi to km

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the relationship between miles and kilometers. The conversion factor is 1 mile = 1.60934 kilometers.
2. Set up the conversion factor as a fraction. You can write it as \( \frac{1.60934 \text{ km}}{1 \text{ mi}} \) or \( \frac{1 \text{ mi}}{1.60934 \text{ km}} \), depending on the direction of conversion.
3. If converting from miles to kilometers, use the conversion factor \( \frac{1.60934 \text{ km}}{1 \text{ mi}} \).
4. Multiply the number of miles by the conversion factor to convert to kilometers.
5. Ensure that the units cancel appropriately, leaving you with the desired unit of kilometers.

Key Concepts

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one set of units to another set of units. This is essential in chemistry and other sciences to ensure that measurements are consistent and comparable. It often involves multiplying by a conversion factor, which is a ratio that expresses how many of one unit are equal to another unit.

Conversion Factors

Conversion factors are specific ratios used to convert one unit of measurement to another. For example, to convert miles to kilometers, the conversion factor is 1 mile = 1.60934 kilometers. Understanding how to apply these factors correctly is crucial for accurate calculations in scientific contexts.

Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to convert units by canceling out dimensions. It involves multiplying the quantity by conversion factors in such a way that the unwanted units cancel out, leaving the desired units. This method ensures that the final answer is in the correct unit and is a fundamental skill in chemistry for solving problems involving different units.