Centi-

Definition

The prefix 'centi-' is a metric system prefix that denotes one-hundredth (1/100) of a unit. It is commonly used in the context of units and standards, as well as unit conversion, to represent a fraction of a larger unit.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The prefix 'centi-' is derived from the Latin word 'centum,' meaning one hundred.
2. In the metric system, the centi- prefix is used to denote one-hundredth of the base unit, such as one-hundredth of a meter (centimeter) or one-hundredth of a gram (centigram).
3. Centi- is commonly used in measurements of length, such as centimeters and centiliters, as well as in measurements of mass, such as centigrams.
4. When converting between units, the centi- prefix can be used to express a smaller fraction of a larger unit, making it easier to work with smaller values.
5. Understanding the centi- prefix is crucial in physics and other scientific fields that rely on precise measurements and unit conversions.

Review Questions

• Explain how the centi- prefix is used in the metric system to represent fractions of a unit.
  • In the metric system, the centi- prefix is used to denote one-hundredth (1/100) of a base unit. For example, a centimeter is one-hundredth of a meter, and a centigram is one-hundredth of a gram. This allows for the expression of smaller measurements within the decimal-based metric system, making it easier to work with and compare values at different scales.
• Describe the role of the centi- prefix in unit conversion between different metric units.
  • The centi- prefix plays a crucial role in unit conversion within the metric system. When converting between units, the centi- prefix can be used to express a smaller fraction of a larger unit, facilitating the conversion process. For instance, to convert from meters to centimeters, one can multiply the value in meters by 100, as there are 100 centimeters in a meter. This understanding of the centi- prefix and its relationship to the base unit is essential for accurately converting measurements between different metric units.
• Analyze how the use of the centi- prefix in measurements can impact the precision and accuracy of scientific observations and calculations.
  • The centi- prefix allows for the precise measurement and expression of small values within the metric system. This precision is essential in scientific fields, where accurate measurements and calculations are crucial for drawing valid conclusions and making reliable observations. By using the centi- prefix, researchers and scientists can work with smaller-scale measurements, such as centimeters or centigrams, without losing significant digits or introducing rounding errors. This attention to detail and the ability to work with fractional units empowers scientists to make more accurate and reliable observations, leading to a deeper understanding of the phenomena they study.

Related terms

Metric System: A decimal-based system of measurement that uses prefixes like centi- to indicate fractions or multiples of the base unit.

Unit Conversion: The process of changing a measurement from one unit to an equivalent measurement in a different unit, often using prefixes like centi-.

Centimeter (cm): A unit of length in the metric system, equal to one-hundredth of a meter.