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QuestionChemistry

Why is 1 mL equal to 1 cm³?
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Answer

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Step 1:
I'll solve this problem step by step, explaining the relationship between milliliters and cubic centimeters.

Step 2:
: Understand the Basic Units

Milliliters (mL) and cubic centimeters (cm³) are both units of volume. The key to their equivalence lies in their definition and the metric system's base units.

Step 3:
: Examine the Metric System Relationships

1 \text{ mL} = 1 \text{ cm}^{3}
In the metric system, 1 milliliter is defined as the volume of a cube that measures 1 centimeter on each side.

Step 4:
: Visualize the Cube

- Imagine a cube with sides of 1 centimeter - Length = 1 cm - Width = 1 cm - Height = 1 cm

Step 5:
: Calculate the Volume

\text{Volume} = 1 \text{ cm} \times 1 \text{ cm} \times 1 \text{ cm} = 1 \text{ cm}^{3}
Volume is calculated by multiplying length × width × height:

Step 6:
: Confirm the Equivalence

This calculation shows that 1 cubic centimeter has exactly the same volume as 1 milliliter.

Final Answer

1 mL is exactly equal to 1 cm³ because they represent the same volume in the metric system, defined as the space occupied by a 1 cm × 1 cm × 1 cm cube.