Write the abbreviation for each of the following units:
a. milligram

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the prefix 'milli-' in the metric system represents 10^-3 or 1/1000 of the base unit.
2. The base unit for mass in the metric system is the gram, abbreviated as 'g'.
3. Combine the prefix 'milli-' with the base unit 'gram' to form the unit 'milligram'.
4. The abbreviation for 'milligram' is formed by taking the first letter of the prefix 'milli-' (m) and the abbreviation for 'gram' (g).
5. Thus, the abbreviation for milligram is 'mg'.

Key Concepts

Unit of Measurement

A unit of measurement is a standard quantity used to express a physical quantity. In the context of mass, units such as grams, kilograms, and milligrams are commonly used. Understanding these units is essential for accurately measuring and converting quantities in scientific and everyday contexts.

Abbreviation

An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. In scientific contexts, abbreviations are often used for convenience and clarity. For example, 'milligram' is abbreviated as 'mg', which allows for easier communication of measurements in writing and data presentation.

Metric System

The metric system is an international decimalized system of measurement based on powers of ten. It includes units such as meters for length, liters for volume, and grams for mass. Familiarity with the metric system is crucial for understanding and converting between different units, such as milligrams and grams.