Centi

Definition

Centi is a metric prefix that denotes one-hundredth (1/100) of a given unit. It is commonly used to represent smaller measurements and quantities in various scientific and everyday applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The centi prefix is represented by the symbol 'c', which is placed in front of a unit to indicate one-hundredth of that unit.
2. Common examples of centi-prefixed units include centimeters (cm), centigrams (cg), and centiliters (cl).
3. Centi is used to express smaller measurements in the metric system, allowing for more precise and standardized quantification.
4. In the context of physical quantities and units, the centi prefix is often used to measure small lengths, masses, and volumes.
5. Proper use of the centi prefix is essential for accurate measurement and unit conversions in various scientific and engineering applications.

Review Questions

• Explain how the centi prefix is used to represent smaller measurements in the metric system.
  • The centi prefix is used to represent one-hundredth (1/100) of a given unit in the metric system. For example, a centimeter (cm) is one-hundredth of a meter, a centigram (cg) is one-hundredth of a gram, and a centiliter (cl) is one-hundredth of a liter. This allows for more precise measurement and quantification of smaller physical quantities, which is essential in various scientific and everyday applications.
• Describe the relationship between the centi prefix and the decimal system.
  • The centi prefix is closely linked to the decimal system, which is the base-10 numeral system used in the metric system. The centi prefix represents one-hundredth (1/100) of a unit, which aligns with the decimal system's use of powers of ten. This allows for easy unit conversion and manipulation of measurements, as moving the decimal point one place to the left effectively converts a value from one centi-prefixed unit to another (e.g., 1.25 m = 125 cm).
• Analyze the importance of properly using the centi prefix in the context of physical quantities and units.
  • The accurate use of the centi prefix is crucial in the context of physical quantities and units. Misusing or misunderstanding the centi prefix can lead to significant errors in measurement, calculation, and unit conversion. For example, confusing centimeters and meters or centigrams and grams can result in orders of magnitude differences in the measured values, which can have serious consequences in scientific research, engineering, and everyday applications. Mastering the proper use of the centi prefix is essential for ensuring the reliability and precision of physical measurements and calculations.

Related terms

Metric System: The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement that uses prefixes like centi to indicate the magnitude of a unit.

Decimal: A decimal is a number expressed in the base-10 numeral system, where the value of each digit is determined by its position relative to the decimal point.

Unit Conversion: Unit conversion is the process of changing the measurement of a quantity from one unit to another, often using prefixes like centi to represent different scales.