The conversion factor is a fraction in which the numerator and the
denominator have the same value (they are equal values expressed in
different units), and so the conversion factor is equal to the unit.
Using conversion factors we can go from some units to other equivalent ones
with little risk of making a mistake. We just have to multiply
repeatedly by successive conversion factors, until we get to the units
we require.
By clicking on the corresponding controls in the following animation
you will learn to go from one unit to another using conversion factors.
It may seem complicated at first, but once you have learned you will
use them all the time, both in Physics and in Chemistry.
