For each of the following pairs, which is the larger unit?a. milligram or kilogram

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the base unit for mass in the metric system, which is the gram (g).
2. Understand the prefixes: 'milli-' means one-thousandth (1/1000) and 'kilo-' means one thousand (1000).
3. Convert each unit to grams: 1 milligram (mg) is 0.001 grams, and 1 kilogram (kg) is 1000 grams.
4. Compare the values in grams: 0.001 grams (milligram) vs. 1000 grams (kilogram).
5. Determine which is larger based on the comparison of their gram equivalents.

Key Concepts

Metric System

The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement used globally, which includes units such as meters, liters, and grams. It is organized in powers of ten, making conversions between units straightforward. Understanding the metric system is essential for comparing different units of mass, such as milligrams and kilograms.

Units of Mass

Units of mass measure the amount of matter in an object. In the metric system, common units include milligrams (mg), grams (g), and kilograms (kg). A milligram is one-thousandth of a gram, while a kilogram is one thousand grams, highlighting the significant difference in scale between these units.

Conversion Factors

Conversion factors are numerical values used to convert one unit of measurement to another. For mass, knowing that 1 kilogram equals 1,000 grams and 1 gram equals 1,000 milligrams allows for easy comparisons. This understanding is crucial for determining which unit is larger in a given pair.