Conversion Factors| Definition, examples, Problems & Few Useful Conversion Factors|

Conversion Factors|Definition|

"Conversion factor is a ratio - this ratio is always equal to 1 - used to covert one unit into other unit. Units are inter-converted simply by multiplying or dividing the suitable conversion factor".

For conversion, we should have appropriate prior information.For instance,  if we want to inter-convert "inches" & "feet" we should have prior information  like,

 1 foot = 12 inches

 If we want to inter-convert "hours"& "minutes" then we should know,

1 hour= 60 minutes

Few useful Conversion Factors

Examples

Dr. Ali measured mass of a sample , as 0.98lb later on his lab attendant needs to be take this mass in kilograms. What attendant will do to convert pounds into kilograms?

Attendant knows  

1 kilogram = 2.2 lb

Form above prior information , attendant gets two conversion Factors.we can see those two conversion factors from above table,

1kg/ 2.2 lb   and   2.2lb/1kg

Select one conversion factor from the above two, through which same units can be cut as given below, so for this problem 1kg / 2.2 lb is best suited.

Nouman is in need to know there are how  many inches in 7.5 feet?  He knows 1 foot is always equal to 12 inches.

 Nouman knows

1 foot = 12 inches

So according to prior information there are two possible conversion factors

1 foot/12 inches  & 12 inches / 1 foot

He will select one conversion factor from the above two, in which same unit can be cut as given below, so he will choose 12 inches/1 foot

.