Convert the following expressions into exponential notation: (b) 2.5 femtoseconds (fs)

Key Concepts

Exponential Notation

Exponential notation is a mathematical way to express numbers as a product of a coefficient and a power of ten. It simplifies the representation of very large or very small numbers, making calculations easier. For example, 2.5 can be expressed as 2.5 x 10^0, while smaller units like femtoseconds can be represented using negative exponents.

Metric Prefixes

Metric prefixes are standardized terms used to denote specific powers of ten in the metric system. For instance, 'femto-' represents 10^-15, indicating one quadrillionth of a unit. Understanding these prefixes is essential for converting measurements into exponential notation, as they provide a clear framework for interpreting and manipulating different scales.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion involves changing a measurement from one unit to another while maintaining the same quantity. In the context of the question, converting 2.5 femtoseconds into exponential notation requires recognizing the relationship between femtoseconds and seconds, allowing for accurate representation of time intervals in a more manageable form.