Unit Conversion Example - Metric to English

This worked chemistry example problem demonstrates how to convert from metric units to English units. Problem Analysis of an air sample reveals that it contains 3.5 x 10-6 g/l of carbon monoxide. Express the concentration of carbon monoxide in lb/ft3. Solution Two conversions are required, one from grams to pounds using this conversion:1 lb 453.6 gand the other conversion, from liters to cubic feet, using this conversion:1 ft3 28.32 lThe conversion may be set up in this fashion:3.5 x 10-6 g/l x 1 lb / 453.6 g x 28.32 l / 1 ft3 0.22 x 10-6 lb/ft3 Answer 3.5 x 10-6 g/l of carbon monoxide is equal to 0.22 x 10-6 lb/ft3or, in scientific notation (standard exponential notation):3.5 x 10-6 g/l of carbon monoxide is equal to 2.2 x 10-7 lb/ft3