What are Prefixes? What is their Use in Measurements?

Prefixes are used to express very large or very small numbers in a more manageable form. They are added to the base units to represent multiples or fractions of that unit. These prefixes simplify the representation of measurements and make it easier to work with very large or very small values. Examples include:

  • Kilo- (k): Represents a thousand times the base unit (e.g., 1 kilometer = 1,000 meters).
  • Milli- (m): Represents one-thousandth of the base unit (e.g., 1 millimeter = 0.001 meters).
  • Mega- (M): Represents a million times the base unit (e.g., 1 megawatt = 1,000,000 watts).

Related Questions:

  1. Q2. Express the followings measurements using prefixes.
  2. Define physics. Describe its revolutionary role in technology.
  3. List and briefly describe different branches of physics.
  4. What are Physical Quantities? Distinguish Between Base and Derived Physical Quantities.
  5. Dynamics-1
  6. Dynamics-II
  7. Pressure and Deformation in Solids
  8. Work and Energy
  9. Density and Temperature
  10. Magnetism
  11. Q.1 How does physics play an important role in our life?
  12. Q.2 Estimate your age in minutes and seconds.
  13. Q.3 What base quantities are involved in these derived physical quantities; force, pressure, power and charge.
  14. Q.4 Show that prefix micro is thousand times smaller than prefix milli.
  15. Q5. Justify that displacement is a vector quantity while energy is a scalar quantity.
  16. Q6. Screw gauge can give more precise length than vernier calipers. Briefly explain why?
  17. Q.7 Differentiate between Mechanical Stopwatch and Digital Stopwatch.
  18. Q.8 How measuring cylinder is used to measure the volume of an irregularly shaped stone?
  19. Q.9 What precautions should be kept in mind while taking measurements using a measuring cylinder?
  20. Q.10 Why do we need to consider significant digits in measurements?