Use metric conversion factors to solve each of the following problems: c. A hummingbird has a mass of 0.0055 kg. What is the mass, in grams, of the hummingbird?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the given mass of the hummingbird in kilograms: 0.0055 kg.
2. Recall the conversion factor between kilograms and grams: 1 kg = 1000 g.
3. Set up the conversion by multiplying the given mass by the conversion factor: 0.0055 kg \times \frac{1000 \text{ g}}{1 \text{ kg}}.
4. Cancel out the units of kilograms to convert the mass into grams.
5. Perform the multiplication to find the mass of the hummingbird in grams.

Key Concepts

Metric System

The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement used globally, which includes units such as meters for length, liters for volume, and grams for mass. It is based on powers of ten, making conversions between units straightforward. Understanding the metric system is essential for accurately performing calculations and conversions in scientific contexts.

Unit Conversion

Unit conversion is the process of converting a quantity expressed in one unit to another unit. This involves using conversion factors, which are ratios that express how many of one unit are equivalent to another. For example, to convert kilograms to grams, one would use the conversion factor of 1000 grams per kilogram, facilitating accurate measurement in different contexts.

Mass and Weight

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, typically measured in kilograms or grams, while weight is the force exerted by gravity on that mass. In the context of this problem, understanding that mass remains constant regardless of location is crucial for converting the mass of the hummingbird from kilograms to grams without altering its intrinsic properties.