Kilometer

Definition

A kilometer is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one thousand meters. It is commonly used to measure long distances, such as the length of roads, the distance between cities, or the circumference of the Earth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. One kilometer is equal to 1,000 meters or approximately 0.62 miles.
2. The kilometer is the primary unit of measurement for long distances in most countries that use the metric system.
3. The prefix 'kilo-' in the word 'kilometer' means 'one thousand,' indicating the relationship between the kilometer and the meter.
4. Kilometers are commonly used to measure the distances between cities, the lengths of roads and highways, and the circumference of the Earth.
5. The kilometer is an important unit in the context of systems of measurement, as it allows for the standardization of units and the easy conversion between different scales of measurement.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between the kilometer and the meter, and how this relationship is reflected in the prefix 'kilo-'.
  • The kilometer is a unit of length in the metric system that is directly related to the meter. Specifically, one kilometer is equal to 1,000 meters. This relationship is reflected in the prefix 'kilo-,' which means 'one thousand' in the metric system. The prefix 'kilo-' is used to indicate that a unit is one thousand times larger than the base unit, in this case, the meter. This allows for the easy conversion between kilometers and meters, as well as the standardization of units within the metric system.
• Describe the common applications and uses of the kilometer as a unit of measurement.
  • The kilometer is a widely used unit of measurement, particularly for measuring long distances. It is commonly used to measure the distances between cities, the lengths of roads and highways, and the circumference of the Earth. The kilometer is the primary unit of measurement for long distances in most countries that use the metric system, as it allows for the easy and standardized measurement of large-scale distances. Additionally, the kilometer is an important unit in the context of systems of measurement, as it facilitates the conversion between different scales of measurement and the standardization of units.
• Analyze the significance of the kilometer as a unit of measurement in the context of systems of measurement, and how it contributes to the overall standardization and organization of units.
  • The kilometer is a crucial unit of measurement within the context of systems of measurement, as it plays a key role in the standardization and organization of units. By providing a standardized unit for measuring long distances, the kilometer allows for the easy conversion between different scales of measurement and the consistent quantification of large-scale distances. This standardization is essential for the effective communication and comparison of measurements, as well as the coordination of various activities and systems that rely on the accurate measurement of distance. Furthermore, the kilometer's relationship to the meter, as reflected in the 'kilo-' prefix, demonstrates the coherent and hierarchical structure of the metric system, which is designed to facilitate the easy conversion between units and the intuitive understanding of scale. Overall, the kilometer's significance within systems of measurement lies in its contribution to the overall standardization, organization, and efficient communication of measurement-related information.

Related terms

Meter:

The meter is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the distance traveled by light in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second.

Centimeter:

A centimeter is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-hundredth of a meter. It is commonly used to measure smaller distances, such as the size of objects or the height of people.

Millimeter: A millimeter is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-thousandth of a meter. It is used to measure very small distances, such as the thickness of paper or the diameter of a wire.