How to Do Unit Conversions (PART I)

Before we start doing any crazy chem labs and experiments, we need to learn how to do Unit conversions.

This will be fairly easy for those who are adept at math.. to those who aren't... deal with it.

First, unit conversion is simply converting the original numbers into the same number with different units.

NOTE: CONVERSION FACTOR: fractional expression relating or connecting 2 different units

I am sure that you know how many cents are in a dollar or how many minutes are in a hour.

When you change certain amount of cents into dollars (ie. 25cents →$0.25), you are also converting units.

Also, take a good look at the unit conversion table that Miss Chen gave us.

Now on to some basics:

Incredibly, vitally important NOTE:

You must ALWAYS include the UNITS. or else you will get confused and get the wrong answer.

Example 1:

If a car can go 80km in 1 hr, how far can it go in 8.5hrs?

In this question, simply do a math ratio, it is the easiest way.

                                       80km      (x)km
                                          1hr         8.5hr

From this do cross multiplication:

                                  (80km)(8.5hr) = (x)km
                                           
After you multiply you get this number 680km

This is the basics of unit conversions, part 2 coming soon

Check out this video from Youtube which gives a different but effective way of doing unit conversions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClxIsX9JV-M

Written by: JK