Convert the following quantities into SI units with the correct number of significant figures. (a) 5.4 in.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the conversion factor between inches and meters. There are 0.0254 meters in one inch.
2. Multiply the given quantity in inches by the conversion factor to convert it to meters: \(5.4 \text{ in} \times 0.0254 \text{ m/in}\).
3. Perform the multiplication to find the value in meters, keeping track of significant figures.
4. Determine the number of significant figures in the original measurement (5.4 in.), which has two significant figures.
5. Round the final result to match the number of significant figures in the original measurement.

Key Concepts

Significant Figures

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. Understanding significant figures is crucial for reporting measurements accurately, especially when converting units, as it ensures that the precision of the original measurement is maintained.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity from one unit to another while maintaining its value. This often involves using conversion factors, which are ratios that express how many of one unit are equivalent to another. In this case, converting inches to meters requires knowing the relationship between these two units, specifically that 1 inch equals 0.0254 meters.

SI Units

The International System of Units (SI) is a standardized system of measurement used globally in science and engineering. It includes base units such as meters for length, kilograms for mass, and seconds for time. Converting measurements to SI units is essential for consistency and clarity in scientific communication, allowing for accurate comparisons and calculations across different fields.