Question

The correct multiplier for the prefix micro is:

1) 10³
2) 10⁻⁶
3) 10⁻⁹
4) 10⁶
5) none of the above

Answer 1

The correct multiplier for the prefix micro is 10⁻⁶ (option 2). It indicates one millionth of a unit, commonly used in measurements like micrograms and micrometers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct multiplier for the prefix micro is 10⁻⁶. In the International System of Units (SI), prefixes represent powers of 10 that are used to denote very small values. The prefix micro is represented by the Greek letter μ and indicates a factor of 1x10⁻⁶, which means one millionth of a unit. Other examples of prefixes include nano which corresponds to 1x10⁻⁹, milli for 1x10⁻³, and mega which is 1x10⁶. The use of the prefix micro is common in measurements such as micrograms (μg) or micrometers (μm), where precise small-scale measurement is required.

As an example, the detail seen under a microscope might be in the micrometer range, specifically at 1x10⁻⁶ meters (1μm). Hence, the correct option out of the ones listed is (2) 10⁻⁶.