Fill in the following blanks.
a. 1 μm = ______ m
b. 1= _______ 10⁻⁹ m
c. 1 μm = ______ nm

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the metric prefixes involved. The prefix 'μ' (micro) represents 10⁻⁶, and 'n' (nano) represents 10⁻⁹.
2. Step 2: For part (a), convert 1 μm to meters. Since 1 μm = 10⁻⁶ m, fill in the blank with 10⁻⁶.
3. Step 3: For part (b), recognize that the blank is asking for a conversion factor. Since 1 = 10⁰, the blank should be filled with 10⁰.
4. Step 4: For part (c), convert 1 μm to nanometers. Since 1 μm = 10⁻⁶ m and 1 nm = 10⁻⁹ m, calculate the conversion factor by dividing 10⁻⁶ by 10⁻⁹.
5. Step 5: Simplify the conversion factor from Step 4 to find that 1 μm = 10³ nm.

Key Concepts

Metric System

The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement used globally, which includes units such as meters, grams, and liters. It is structured around powers of ten, making conversions between units straightforward. Understanding the metric system is essential for accurately interpreting measurements in microbiology, where precise dimensions are often critical.

Micrometer (μm)

A micrometer (μm) is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one millionth of a meter (10⁻⁶ m). It is commonly used in microbiology to measure the size of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, which are typically in the range of micrometers. Familiarity with this unit is crucial for understanding the scale of microscopic life.

Nanometer (nm)

A nanometer (nm) is a unit of length equal to one billionth of a meter (10⁻⁹ m). It is often used to measure structures at the molecular and atomic levels, such as proteins and DNA. In microbiology, recognizing the relationship between micrometers and nanometers is important for grasping the dimensions of cellular components and their interactions.