Final answer:
The metric system is based on the number 10, making unit conversion simple due to its use of powers of 10. Fundamental units include the meter, kilogram, and second, with prefixes indicating multiples or fractions based on factors of 10.
Step-by-step explanation:
The metric system is based on the number 10. This means that every unit in the metric system increases by a factor of ten, making conversions extremely simple. For example, units of length in the metric system convert as follows: 1 meter (m) equals 100 centimeters (cm), 1 centimeter equals 10 millimeters (mm), and so on. This use of powers of 10 for all conversions in the metric system facilitates the understanding and calculation of measurements.
The metric system, also known as Système internationale d'unités (or SI), originated in France and was officially adopted in 1799. Practical for scientific purposes, the metric system has been adopted by virtually all countries, with the United States being a prominent exception. In the metric system, the fundamental units include the meter for length, the kilogram for mass, and the second for time. To accommodate very large or very small measurements, the metric system includes many prefixes attached to units, indicating their relation to the base unit by factors of 10.