For each of the following pairs, which is the larger unit? b. milliliter or microliter

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the metric prefixes: 'milli-' means one-thousandth (10^{-3}) and 'micro-' means one-millionth (10^{-6}).
2. Recognize that both milliliters (mL) and microliters (μL) are units of volume.
3. Convert both units to the base unit, liters, for comparison: 1 milliliter (mL) = 10^{-3} liters and 1 microliter (μL) = 10^{-6} liters.
4. Compare the exponents: 10^{-3} (milliliters) is larger than 10^{-6} (microliters).
5. Conclude that a milliliter is a larger unit than a microliter.

Key Concepts

Metric System

The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement used globally, which includes units such as liters, milliliters, and microliters. It is structured around powers of ten, making conversions straightforward. Understanding this system is essential for comparing different units of volume.

Volume Units

Volume units measure the amount of three-dimensional space an object occupies. In the metric system, common volume units include liters (L), milliliters (mL), and microliters (µL). Knowing the relationships between these units helps in determining which is larger or smaller.

Conversion Factors

Conversion factors are numerical values used to convert one unit of measurement to another. For example, 1 milliliter equals 1,000 microliters. Understanding how to apply conversion factors is crucial for accurately comparing and converting between different volume units.