Question

a rod-shaped bacterium is measured as 0.3 micrometers (μm) in length using an ocular micrometer. your instructor wants you to report the length in millimeters (mm) to test your understanding of metric conversions. what is the length of the organism in millimeters? multiple choice 300 mm 0.03 mm 0.0003 mm 3 mm

Explanation:

Step1: Recall metric conversions

We know that \(1\ \text{mm} = 1000\ \mu\text{m}\), so to convert \(\mu\text{m}\) to \(\text{mm}\), we use the conversion factor \(\frac{1\ \text{mm}}{1000\ \mu\text{m}}\).

Step2: Apply the conversion

The length of the bacterium is \(0.3\ \mu\text{m}\). To convert to \(\text{mm}\), we multiply by the conversion factor:
\[
0.3\ \mu\text{m} \times \frac{1\ \text{mm}}{1000\ \mu\text{m}} = \frac{0.3}{1000}\ \text{mm}
\]

Step3: Calculate the result

\[
\frac{0.3}{1000} = 0.0003\ \text{mm}
\]

Answer:

0.0003 mm (corresponding to the option "0.0003 mm")