Physics ADV: Metric Prefixes - Solving 50\mum in Meters

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around converting a measurement of 50 micrometers (μm) into meters, a topic related to unit prefixes in physics. Participants are exploring the conversion process and the implications of unit prefixes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are discussing the meaning of the unit prefix 'μ' and its equivalent value of 10-6. There is uncertainty about how to proceed with the conversion after identifying the prefix.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on replacing the prefix with its numerical equivalent, while others express confusion about the next steps in the conversion process. Multiple interpretations of the conversion method are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the challenge of understanding unit prefixes and their application in converting measurements, indicating a potential gap in foundational knowledge of metric units.

LMSStu2010
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I've just started in Physics ADV and it's completely greek to me.
The question I'm currently stuck on is-

A human hair is approximatly 50[tex]\mu[/tex]m in diameter. Express this diameter in meters.

I'm not sure how I'm suppost to work or even set up the problem.
Please help if you can.
(:
Thanks.
 
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Do you remember your unit prefixes?

For example cent=c=10-2

milli=m=10-3
 
Yes, the unit is 10-6


rock.freak667 said:
Do you remember your unit prefixes?

For example cent=c=10-2

milli=m=10-3
 
LMSStu2010 said:
Yes, the unit is 10-6

Right so if you diameter is 50μm and μ=10-6, then the diameter is?
 
rock.freak667 said:
Right so if you diameter is 50μm and μ=10-6, then the diameter is?

This is what I'm confused about. I'm not sure what I'm suppost to do after this.
 
LMSStu2010 said:
This is what I'm confused about. I'm not sure what I'm suppost to do after this.

Just replace 'μ' with '10-6' (it is that simple :wink:)
 
rock.freak667 said:
Just replace 'μ' with '10-6' (it is that simple :wink:)

So then it's 50x10-6?

If yes, how am I suppost to get it so that it's just in meters?
 
LMSStu2010 said:
So then it's 50x10-6?

If yes, how am I suppost to get it so that it's just in meters?

remember it is 50μm, so the 'm' will remain, giving 50x10-6m
 
rock.freak667 said:
remember it is 50μm, so the 'm' will remain, giving 50x10-6m

Oh, okay. Thanks so much.
(:
 

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