Question 1

What is a nanometer?

Accepted Answer

A nanometer (nm) is one billionth of a meter (10⁻⁹ m). DNA is 2 nm wide. Visible light wavelengths are 400-700 nm.

Question 2

How many nanometers in a micrometer?

Accepted Answer

1 μm = 1,000 nm. Viruses are 20-300 nm. Computer chips have features measured in nanometers (5-7 nm for latest processors).

Question 3

Is this conversion factor exact?

Accepted Answer

Metric-to-metric conversions are exact (1 km = 1000 m). Imperial-to-metric factors like 1 inch = 2.54 cm are exact by international agreement.

Question 4

Why do some countries use different units?

Accepted Answer

Historical reasons - the metric system spread from France after 1795. The US, UK, and a few others retained older systems. Science uses metric worldwide.

Nanometers to Micrometers Converter

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