What is a conversion factor problem?

Conversion factors are used in solving problems in which a certain measurement must be expressed with different units. When a given measurement is multiplied by an appropriate conversion factor, the numerical value changes, but the actual size of the quantity measured remains the same.

What is a conversion factors in chemistry examples?

A conversion factor is a number used to change one set of units to another, by multiplying or dividing. When a conversion is necessary, the appropriate conversion factor to an equal value must be used. For example, to convert inches to feet, the appropriate conversion value is 12 inches equal 1 foot.

How are conversion factors used in chemistry problems?

After finishing this lesson, you will be able to define and describe conversion factors and explain how to use conversion factors to convert units in chemistry problems. What Are Conversion Factors? If you have 20 cookies and you multiply that by 1, you still have the same amount of cookies.

How does multiply by a conversion factor change the quantity?

The quantity in the problem is multiplied by one or more “conversion factors,” in which the numerator is equal to the denominator. Since the numerator and denominator of the conversion factor are equal, multiplying by the conversion factor is like multiplying by 1 and thus does not change the value of the original quantity.

Which is an example of a conversion problem?

Another type of common conversion problem deals with conversions between some unit and a prefix of that unit such as a conversion from meters to millimeters. The following table provides a list of some widely used prefixes. For example, 1 gigameter (Gm) = 1,000,000,000 meters (m) or 109 m, and 1 microinch (μm) = 0.000001 in or 10-6 in.

Do you need to practice units and conversions in chemistry?

You still need to practice chemistry units, conversions, and significant figures more.. Reza Estakhrian / Getty Images You need more practice to master units, conversions, and significant figures. One way to learn the material is to work your way through the units and measurement study guide.