Determine the number of picoseconds in 2.0 hours.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Convert hours to seconds using the conversion factor: 1 hour = 3600 seconds.
2. Calculate the number of seconds in 2.0 hours by multiplying 2.0 hours by 3600 seconds/hour.
3. Understand that 1 second is equal to 10^{12} picoseconds.
4. Convert the number of seconds obtained in step 2 to picoseconds by multiplying by 10^{12} picoseconds/second.
5. Combine the calculations to express the total number of picoseconds in 2.0 hours.

Key Concepts

Time Conversion

Time conversion involves changing a measurement from one unit to another, such as hours to seconds or picoseconds. Understanding the relationships between different time units is essential for accurate conversions. For example, 1 hour equals 3600 seconds, and knowing these relationships allows for straightforward calculations.

Understanding Picoseconds

A picosecond is a unit of time equal to one trillionth of a second (10^-12 seconds). It is commonly used in fields like physics and chemistry to measure extremely short time intervals, such as the duration of chemical reactions or the speed of light. Recognizing the scale of picoseconds is crucial for converting larger time units into this smaller measurement.

Dimensional Analysis

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to convert units by multiplying by conversion factors that express the relationship between different units. This method ensures that units cancel appropriately, leading to the desired unit in the final answer. It is a powerful tool in chemistry for solving problems involving unit conversions.