42. A researcher is investigating solubility and uses a scale in grams per cubic meter (g/m3). During the analysis, they realize their data needs to be presented in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3). What step should the researcher take to accurately convert their solubility values?
Answer: B
The researcher should divide by 1000 to convert from grams per cubic meter to kilograms per cubic meter.
To convert solubility values from grams per cubic meter (g/m3) to kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3), the researcher must divide the values by 1000, as there are 1000 grams in a kilogram.
A) Divide by 10
Dividing by 10 is incorrect because it does not account for the conversion factor between grams and kilograms. Since 1 kilogram is equal to 1000 grams, this method would yield an incorrect value, resulting in an overestimation of the solubility in kg/m3.
B) Divide by 1000
Dividing by 1000 is the correct approach, as it accurately converts grams to kilograms. This method ensures that the solubility values are represented correctly in kg/m3, aligning with the standard conversion factor between these two units of measurement.
C) Multiply by 10
Multiplying by 10 is also incorrect. This operation would increase the solubility value rather than convert it to the desired units. Since kilograms are larger than grams, multiplying would yield an inaccurate representation of the values in kg/m3.
D) Multiply by 1000
Multiplying by 1000 is not appropriate for this conversion. This operation would erroneously increase the solubility values by a factor of 1000, which is the opposite of what is needed for converting grams to kilograms.
Conclusion
Dividing by 1000 is the definitive method for converting solubility values from grams per cubic meter to kilograms per cubic meter, making it the only correct choice. All other options either misapply the conversion factor or incorrectly change the values, leading to inaccuracies in the presentation of the data.