In: Chemistry
What does it mean when a unit conversions is said to be EXACT?
Unit conversion basically is the conversion of various measurement units for same quantity, through the multiplicative conversion factors.
1. CGS: Centimetre, Gram, Seconds
2. MKS: Metre, Kilograms, Seconds
1. and 2. indicate basic types of unit conversions. When any unit of length is in centimetres, the weight and time units should be in gram and seconds respectively. Also, when the unit of length is in metres, the weight and time units are in kilograms and seconds respectively.
To understand exact unit conversions, we may take an example of a inch. Normally an inch is exactly 2.54 cm, and a foot is always 12 inches and not 30.48 cm.
Also, e.g. For exact unit conversion in case of metres, 1 metre = 100 cm exactly.
Also, if we want to convert volume of a liquid, then 1 Litre = 1000 mL.