Question

How does a conversion factor differ from a measurement?

Answer 1

Measurements can be made with different units. A conversion factor will show whether or not the readings are equivalent.

Explanation:

A measurement will be a number plus the unit used. For example:

Imagine you are measuring the length of a metal rod. You measure using a ruler with meters marked on it and you get a measurement of 0.85 m. Someone else uses a different ruler and gets a measurement of 85 cm.

Who was wrong? Neither measurement was wrong. If you multiply the the second reading by the conversion factor `(1 m)/(100 cm)`, the result will agree exactly with the first reading.

`85 cancel(cm) * (1 m)/(100 cancel(cm)) = 0.85 m`

I hope this helps,
Steve