9/1/2020 Physics Conversion Factors In a conversion factor, the numerator and denominator equal the same amount, just in different units. For example, to convert 3 miles into feet, you would multiply 3 miles by a conversion factor created from the units of miles and feet. Because 1 mile equals 5,280 feet, two conversion factors can be created: 1= 1 mile 5,280 feet or 1 = 5,280 feet 1 mile Multiplying any number, such as 3 miles, by either of these fractions does not change the number's overall value. But which conversion factor should you use so that you end with the units you need? Watch this video to learn how to determine this. Show Text Version Example One For example, your flight only allows you to bring a piece of luggage that weighs 25 kilograms. Your scale at home shows measurements in pounds. To know if your luggage is too heavy, you will need to convert the measurement. Let's see how to do this. Plan the Conversion https://learn.flvs.net/educator/student/frame_toolbar.cgi?emock5*sebalorenzo*mpos=1&spos=0&option=hidemenu&slt=efiofHgzV8h5Y*4907*http://lea… 1/3 9/1/2020 Physics Kilogram is being used to describe how heavy an object is. In the customary system, pounds, ounces, and tons are used. Let's go ahead and convert this to pounds, as that is a common unit for weight in the customary system. Determine the Conversion Look at the conversion table to identify the conversion 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds. You can create two conversion factors: 1 kg 2.2 lb or 2.2 lb 1 kg Remember, you want to convert from kilograms to pounds, which means you want kilogram to be in the denominator. Perform the Conversion 25kg× 2.2 lb 25 × 2.2 lb 55 lb = = = 55 lb 1kg 1 1 Therefore, a 25 kilogram piece of luggage weighs 55 pounds. Example Two Let's take a look at another example. Your fitness app asks you to drink at least 2 liters of water a day. You have a water bottle that holds half a gallon. Is it large enough to meet the daily water expectation? Plan the Conversion Liters are being used to describe the amount of water to drink on a daily basis. If you look at the customary system, gallons, cups, and fluid ounces are used to measure liquid most frequently. Let's go ahead and convert this to gallons. Determine the Conversion You can create two conversion factors: 1L 0.264 gal or 0.264 gal 1L You want to have liters in the denominator to cancel out, so let's use the second conversion factor. https://learn.flvs.net/educator/student/frame_toolbar.cgi?emock5*sebalorenzo*mpos=1&spos=0&option=hidemenu&slt=efiofHgzV8h5Y*4907*http://lea… 2/3 9/1/2020 Physics Perform the Conversion 2L× 0.264 gal 2 × 0.264 gal 0.528 gal = = = 0.528 gal 1L 1 1 Therefore, 2 liters of water is equivalent to 0.528 gallons. That means your water bottle will hold enough water to meet your daily water expectation. Print https://learn.flvs.net/educator/student/frame_toolbar.cgi?emock5*sebalorenzo*mpos=1&spos=0&option=hidemenu&slt=efiofHgzV8h5Y*4907*http://lea… 3/3
