Conversion Formula: Centimeters to Kilometers
To convert centimeters (cm) to kilometers (km), you can use the following conversion formula:
1 cm = 0.00001 km
Therefore, to convert any given value in centimeters to kilometers, multiply the value in centimeters by 0.00001.
Detailed Explanation
Centimeters and kilometers are both units of length in the metric system. Centimeters are smaller units used for measuring shorter distances, while kilometers are larger units used for measuring longer distances.
The metric system is based on powers of ten, making conversions straightforward. There are 100 centimeters in a meter, and 1,000 meters in a kilometer. Therefore, there are 100,000 centimeters in a kilometer. Dividing by this factor converts centimeters to kilometers.
Example Calculation
Let’s say you want to convert 2 centimeters to kilometers:
Using the formula:
2 cm × 0.00001 = 0.00002 km
So, 2 centimeters is equal to 0.00002 kilometers.
Examples of Similar Lengths
To help visualize the conversion, here are five examples of objects that are similar in length to 2 centimeters:
- A small paperclip: A typical small paperclip is about 2 centimeters long.
- A pea: The diameter of a pea is approximately 1.5 to 2 centimeters.
- A shirt button: Many shirt buttons have a diameter of around 2 centimeters.
- The width of a staple: The width of a standard staple is about 1.3 to 2 centimeters.
- A section of a shoelace tip: The plastic tip at the end of a shoelace is typically around 2 centimeters long.
Additional Information
Converting units within the metric system is a fundamental skill in various fields, including science, engineering, and everyday life. Understanding these conversions helps in making accurate measurements and comparisons.