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Unit Conversion: Centimeters to Feet (Dimensional Analysis)

Study Guide - Smart Notes

Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.

Q18. Which of the following setups would convert centimeters to feet?

Background

Topic: Unit Conversions & Dimensional Analysis

This question tests your ability to use conversion factors to change a measurement from centimeters (cm) to feet (ft). This is a common skill in chemistry and other sciences, where you often need to convert between metric and imperial units.

Key Terms and Formulas

  • Conversion factor: A ratio that expresses how many of one unit are equal to another unit. For example, and

  • Dimensional analysis: A method to convert units by multiplying by conversion factors so that unwanted units cancel out, leaving the desired unit.

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Start with the quantity you want to convert: (centimeters).

  2. Identify the conversion factors needed to go from centimeters to feet. You will need to convert centimeters to inches, then inches to feet.

  3. Write the conversion factors so that units cancel appropriately: - -

  4. Set up the dimensional analysis so that centimeters cancel, then inches cancel, leaving feet:

2.54 cm per 1 in.1 ft per 12 in.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Final Answer: cm × (1 in./2.54 cm) × (1 ft/12 in.)

This setup cancels centimeters and inches, leaving feet as the final unit. You multiply by the reciprocal of the conversion factors as needed to ensure units cancel properly.

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