Convert the following quantities into SI units with the correct number of significant figures. (c) 0.5521 gal

Key Concepts

Significant Figures

Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion. Understanding significant figures is crucial for reporting measurements accurately, especially when converting between units, as it ensures that the precision of the original measurement is maintained.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one set of units to another set of units. This often involves using conversion factors, which are ratios that express how many of one unit are equivalent to another. For example, to convert gallons to liters, one would use the conversion factor that 1 gallon is approximately 3.78541 liters, ensuring that the conversion is accurate and reflects the correct number of significant figures.

SI Units

The International System of Units (SI) is the standard system of measurement used in science and engineering. It includes base units such as meters for length, kilograms for mass, and seconds for time. Converting quantities to SI units is essential for consistency and clarity in scientific communication, as it allows for easier comparison and calculation across different measurements and disciplines.