This worksheet provides practice problems and answers for common metric conversions in chemistry. Understanding metric conversions is crucial for accurate calculations and data interpretation in scientific fields. This key assumes familiarity with metric prefixes (kilo, hecto, deca, base unit, deci, centi, milli) and their corresponding powers of 10.
Instructions: Each problem requires converting a measurement from one metric unit to another. Show your work, including the conversion factor used. Answers are provided below, but try to solve them independently first for optimal learning.
Problem Set & Answer Key:
Part 1: Length
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Problem: Convert 250 centimeters (cm) to meters (m). Answer: 2.5 m (1 m = 100 cm; 250 cm * (1 m/100 cm) = 2.5 m)
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Problem: Convert 0.005 kilometers (km) to millimeters (mm). Answer: 5000 mm (1 km = 1,000,000 mm; 0.005 km * (1,000,000 mm/1 km) = 5000 mm)
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Problem: Convert 7500 decimeters (dm) to kilometers (km). Answer: 0.75 km (1 km = 10,000 dm; 7500 dm * (1 km/10,000 dm) = 0.75 km)
Part 2: Mass
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Problem: Convert 15 grams (g) to milligrams (mg). Answer: 15000 mg (1 g = 1000 mg; 15 g * (1000 mg/1 g) = 15000 mg)
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Problem: Convert 2.5 kilograms (kg) to grams (g). Answer: 2500 g (1 kg = 1000 g; 2.5 kg * (1000 g/1 kg) = 2500 g)
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Problem: Convert 0.075 kilograms (kg) to centigrams (cg). Answer: 750000 cg (1 kg = 100,000 cg; 0.075 kg * (100,000 cg/1 kg) = 750000 cg)
Part 3: Volume
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Problem: Convert 50 milliliters (mL) to liters (L). Answer: 0.05 L (1 L = 1000 mL; 50 mL * (1 L/1000 mL) = 0.05 L)
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Problem: Convert 2.2 liters (L) to cubic centimeters (cm³). (Remember 1 mL = 1 cm³) Answer: 2200 cm³ (1 L = 1000 mL = 1000 cm³; 2.2 L * (1000 cm³/1 L) = 2200 cm³)
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Problem: Convert 1500 cubic centimeters (cm³) to milliliters (mL). Answer: 1500 mL (1 cm³ = 1 mL)
Part 4: More Complex Conversions (Challenge Problems)
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Problem: A rectangular block measures 2.5 cm x 4 cm x 6 cm. What is its volume in liters? Answer: 0.06 L (Volume = 2.5 cm * 4 cm * 6 cm = 60 cm³; 60 cm³ * (1 mL/1 cm³) * (1 L/1000 mL) = 0.06 L)
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Problem: A chemical reaction requires 250 mg of a reactant. How many grams is this? Answer: 0.25 g (250 mg * (1 g/1000 mg) = 0.25 g)
Tips for Success:
- Understand the prefixes: Memorize the metric prefixes and their corresponding powers of 10.
- Use conversion factors: Set up conversion factors as fractions to cancel out units.
- Show your work: This helps you track your calculations and identify potential errors.
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with metric conversions.
This worksheet is designed to help you master metric conversions. Remember to practice consistently to build your understanding and confidence in solving chemistry problems.
