What is the power of 10 associated with the prefix "nano"?

What is the power of 10 associated with the prefix "nano"?

• A. 10^−6
• B. 10^−9
• C. 10^−12
• D. 10^−3

Answer: (B)

The prefix "nano" is defined in the International System of Units (SI) as representing a factor of 10 raised to the power of minus nine. This means that when you see the term "nanometer" or "nanosecond," for instance, it indicates a measurement that is one billionth of a meter or second, respectively. Understanding this prefix is important in various fields, including electronics and computing, where measurements often need to be expressed at very small scales. The use of "nano" allows for simplicity and clarity in communicating these measurements without resorting to cumbersome decimal notation. The other options correspond to different prefixes: "micro" represents 10 to the power of minus six, "pico" stands for 10 to the power of minus twelve, and "milli" indicates 10 to the power of minus three. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for accurately interpreting and converting units in scientific and engineering contexts.

The prefix "nano" is defined in the International System of Units (SI) as representing a factor of 10 raised to the power of minus nine. This means that when you see the term "nanometer" or "nanosecond," for instance, it indicates a measurement that is one billionth of a meter or second, respectively.

Understanding this prefix is important in various fields, including electronics and computing, where measurements often need to be expressed at very small scales. The use of "nano" allows for simplicity and clarity in communicating these measurements without resorting to cumbersome decimal notation.

The other options correspond to different prefixes: "micro" represents 10 to the power of minus six, "pico" stands for 10 to the power of minus twelve, and "milli" indicates 10 to the power of minus three. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for accurately interpreting and converting units in scientific and engineering contexts.