Question

Why is a `1*dm^3` volume equivalent to `1*L`?

Answer 1

`1*dm^3-=1*L-=1000*cm^3-=10^-3*m^3`.

Explanation:

`d` is the abbreviation for `"deci"=10^-1`.

Thus `1*dm^3` `=` `(1xx10^-1*m)^3` `=` `1xx10^(-3)*m^3`

`c` is the abbreviation for `"centi"=10^-2`.

And `1*cm^3` `=` `(1xx10^-2*m)^3` `=` `1xx10^(-6)*m^3`

And thus there are `1000*cm^3*dm^-3`, or `1000*cm^3*L^-1`

And there are also `1000*L*m^-3`. A `"cubic metre"` is a very large volume.

And thus `1*mol*dm^-3` `=` `1*mol*L^-1`, which is the familiar unit of concentration.

If something is not clear, ask!