Dimensional Analysis (also called Factor-Label Method or the Unit Factor Method) is a problem-solving method that uses the fact that any number or expression can be multiplied by one without changing its value. It is a useful technique.

Units can: Help to show another person the exact amount you have. Assist in solving a mathematical problem, especially in chemistry, where you can follow the units to get to the answer. Show which measurement system the person is using (i.e. metric or standard)

What types of problems are easily solved by using dimensional analysis? Problems in which a measurement with one unit is converted to an equivalent measurement with another unit are easily solved using dimensional analysis. When converting between units, it is often necessary to use more than one conversion factor.

Dimensional Analysis

1. Identify the given (see previous concept for additional information).
2. Identify conversion factors that will help you get from your original units to your desired unit.
3. Set up your equation so that your undesired units cancel out to give you your desired units.
4. Multiply through to get your final answer.

1 A measurement is a quantity that has both a number and a unit.

The four fundamental units we will use in this text are the meter (for length), the kilogram (for mass), the second (for time), and the ampere (for electric current). These units are part of the metric system, which uses powers of 10 to relate quantities over the vast ranges encountered in nature.

Measurement. A quantitative description of something that includes a number and a unit; also, the process of obtaining a quantitative description of something. Quantitative. Relating to information that is expressed by a number or quantity. Qualitative.

In the SI system, there are seven fundamental units: kilogram, meter, candela, second, ampere, kelvin, and mole.

The seven SI base units, which are comprised of:

• Length – meter (m)
• Time – second (s)
• Amount of substance – mole (mole)
• Electric current – ampere (A)
• Temperature – kelvin (K)
• Luminous intensity – candela (cd)
• Mass – kilogram (kg)

The newton (symbol: N) is the International System of Units (SI) derived unit of force. It is named after Isaac Newton in recognition of his work on classical mechanics, specifically Newton’s second law of motion.

l to kg conversion table:

Conversion Table

1,500 Grams