What prefix indicates one thousand of a base unit?

What prefix indicates one thousand of a base unit?

• A. Mega
• B. Micro
• C. Kilo
• D. Hecto

Answer: (C)

The prefix that indicates one thousand of a base unit is "kilo." This is derived from the metric system, where prefixes are used to denote multiples of ten. Specifically, "kilo" represents a factor of \(10^3\) or 1,000. For example, a kilogram (kg) is 1,000 grams, and a kilometer (km) is 1,000 meters. Understanding these prefixes is essential in the metric system as they help communicate measurements more effectively. The other prefixes listed serve different purposes: "mega" represents one million (or \(10^6\)), "micro" denotes one-millionth (or \(10^{-6}\)), and "hecto" signifies one hundred (or \(10^2\)). All of these have distinct values that do not equate to one thousand, which reinforces why "kilo" is the appropriate choice for this question.

The prefix that indicates one thousand of a base unit is "kilo." This is derived from the metric system, where prefixes are used to denote multiples of ten. Specifically, "kilo" represents a factor of (10^3) or 1,000. For example, a kilogram (kg) is 1,000 grams, and a kilometer (km) is 1,000 meters. Understanding these prefixes is essential in the metric system as they help communicate measurements more effectively.

The other prefixes listed serve different purposes: "mega" represents one million (or (10^6)), "micro" denotes one-millionth (or (10^{-6})), and "hecto" signifies one hundred (or (10^2)). All of these have distinct values that do not equate to one thousand, which reinforces why "kilo" is the appropriate choice for this question.