Unit conversion in electrical measurements: How many microamperes (µA) are in 2 milliamperes (mA)?

Introduction / Context:
Accurate unit conversion is fundamental in circuit analysis, instrumentation, and troubleshooting. Small mistakes with metric prefixes (milli, micro, nano) can lead to errors by factors of 10^3 or more. This item reinforces the relationship between milliamperes and microamperes in SI units.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• 1 A is the base SI unit of electric current.
• Milli- (m) denotes 10^-3.
• Micro- (µ) denotes 10^-6.
• We need to convert 2 mA into µA.

Concept / Approach:
Express both given and target units as powers of ten relative to amperes, then divide or multiply to convert. Alternatively, use the ratio 1 mA = 1000 µA derived from 10^-3 A vs 10^-6 A (difference of 10^3).

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the known shortcut: 1 mA = 1000 µA. Therefore, 2 mA = 2 * 1000 µA = 2000 µA. Both methods agree.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 2 µA: Off by 10^3; confuses milli with micro.
• 20 µA: Off by 10^2; still confuses prefixes.
• 200 µA: Off by 10; incorrect scaling.

Common Pitfalls:

• Mixing up 'm' (milli, 10^-3) and 'µ' (micro, 10^-6).
• Forgetting to reconcile powers of ten when chaining conversions.

Final Answer:
2,000 µA