What are reciprocal units?

What does g cm-3 mean?

A negative exponent means "per". So 2.0 g cm-3 means "2.0 grams per centimeter cubed". g cm-3 is just another way to write g/cm3. Notice that 1/xy = x-y, so g cm-3 = g/cm3. Similarly, writing lb gal-1 means lb/gal or pounds per gallon.

Author: Fred Senese senese@antoine.frostburg.edu


General Chemistry Online! What are reciprocal units?

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