Unit Conversions

“Using Dimensional Analysis”

We call this the “Picket Fence” method to

convert units

(the book calls it the Factor-Label method to convert from one unit to
another. (pg. 130-134 in text)

Units are our friends, really!

 “Picket Fence”
Is a method to convert units.

Examples include:
Feet Inches
Kilometers  Meters
Kilograms  Grams
Why is Dimensional Analysis
Important
• Units are constantly needing to be
converted throughout chemistry.

• Stoichiometry (the relationship between

quantities of reactants and products in a
chemical reaction) problems depend on it.
Principle Behind Dimensional
Analysis

• You can multiply anything

by 1 without changing the
physical meaning.
 How Do We Multiply By 1
If the same thing is on the top and the bottom of a
fraction,


= 1

Then they cancel out… and become 1
 All Equalities = 1
Any time you put two things that are equal to
each other
1000g = 1kg
On top and on bottom

1000 g
--------- = 1
1 kg

Then they cancel out… and become 1.

 All Equalities = 1
It doesn’t matter which is on top and which
is on bottom.

1000 g 1 kg
--------- = 1 or --------- = 1
1 kg 1000 g

Both cancel out… and become 1.

1 km = 1000 m (A metric equality)

Any equality can be written two ways

(conversion factors)

1000 m = 1 km = 1
1 km 1000 m

Which one to use?

Depends on which direction you are trying to
go.
 The Rules
1. Write down “given” + unit
2. Draw a horizontal & vertical line “picket
fence”
3. Write “wanted” / “given” on the fence
4. Enter proper #s for “wanted units &
“given” units
5. Cancel units & do the math
For example: Convert 25 km to meters

Use the conversion factor that allows units to

cancel.
picket 1000 m or 1 km
fence
1 km 1000 m

“given” unit
= “want” unit
For example: Convert 25 km to meters (m)

Use the conversion factor that allows units

to cancel.
Just a little
1000 m Scientific
notation
picket
fence 1 km

25 km 1000 m = 25000 m (or 2.5 x 104 m)

1 km
“given” conversion ‘want’
factor
Example: Convert 12.5 g to kg
(1)
(4) (3)

12.5 g 1 kg
= 0.0125 kg
1000g
(2) (5)

Don’t forget the units

See what happens without
UNITS?!?!?
• Here’s a lady that talks really fast
explaining dimensional analysis.

– Dimensional Analysis Video Demostration

Try: 18.2 km to m
Try: How many centimeters are there in 5.54
inches?