Metric prefixes in electronics documentation Assess the statement: “The metric prefix giga (symbol G) represents one billion, that is 10^9.”

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Standardized prefixes keep communication clear across disciplines. In electronics, you will see gigahertz for radio bands, gigabytes for storage marketing (with caveats), and gigohms for very high resistances. Understanding what “giga” means avoids order-of-magnitude mistakes in design and procurement.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • SI metric prefix “giga”, symbol G.
  • We use the International System of Units (SI), not binary prefixes, unless explicitly stated.
  • Quantities may include frequency (Hz), resistance (Ω), power (W), etc.


Concept / Approach:
By SI definition, giga denotes a multiplication factor of 10^9. This is exact and does not depend on the underlying physical quantity. While computer memory historically used base-2 interpretations (e.g., 1 GB ≈ 2^30 bytes), SI clarifies that binary prefixes are different (gibi, Gi = 2^30). In scientific and engineering notation, G always means 10^9.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Map prefix to power: giga → 10^9.Apply to examples: 3.2 GHz = 3.2 × 10^9 Hz; 5 GΩ = 5 × 10^9 Ω.Distinguish from binary: 1 GiB = 2^30 bytes ≈ 1.073 × 10^9 bytes, not 10^9 exactly.Conclude the statement is correct within SI usage.


Verification / Alternative check:
Cross-check with other prefixes: mega (M) = 10^6, kilo (k) = 10^3, tera (T) = 10^12. The sequence increases by powers of 10^3 as expected, placing giga squarely at 10^9.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Incorrect or 10^6: contradicts the SI standard.“Varies with base-2” confuses SI with binary prefixes; in SI, G ≠ 2^30.“Not part of SI” is false; giga is an established SI prefix.


Common Pitfalls:
Using uppercase/lowercase incorrectly (G for giga vs. g for gram); mixing GB and GiB; assuming unit symbols alter the meaning of the prefix (they do not).


Final Answer:
Correct

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