Expressing electric current with SI prefixes: Fourteen milliamperes equals which of the following standard current notations?

Introduction / Context:
Smoothly reading and writing SI-prefixed quantities avoids mistakes in circuit design and documentation. This question checks recognition of the correct unit symbol for a given magnitude of current.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Quantity: fourteen milliamperes.
• SI prefixes: micro (µ) = 10^-6, milli (m) = 10^-3, kilo (k) = 10^3, mega (M) = 10^6.
• Base unit: ampere (A).

Concept / Approach:
Map the word 'milli' to its symbol and power of ten. The textual magnitude already states milliamperes, so we simply choose the matching symbolized form rather than converting to a different scale.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Convert to amperes then back: 14 mA = 14 * 10^-3 A. Re-expressing with the milli prefix returns 14 mA, confirming the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 14 MA: Megaampere equals 14 * 10^6 A, astronomically larger.
• 14 µA: Microampere equals 14 * 10^-6 A, much smaller.
• 14 kA: Kiloampere equals 14 * 10^3 A, far larger.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing uppercase M (mega) with lowercase m (milli).
• Misreading µA (micro) as mA (milli) due to font or display issues.

Final Answer:
14 mA