Order of Magnitude

• Why do scientists use the concept of order of magnitude?

  To compare approximate sizes of objects
• What does it mean when two objects are said to be around the same order of magnitude?

  They are approximately the same size
• What does one order of magnitude represent?

  10 times
• How can you determine the order of magnitude by counting zeros?

  Count the number of zeros in the ratio
• What are the key concepts of order of magnitude calculations?

  • Comparing sizes of objects
  • Each order is 10 times greater
  • Count zeros to determine orders
• What steps should you follow to calculate the order of magnitude between two objects?

  1. Divide the size of the larger object by the smaller object.
  2. Count the number of zeros in the result.
  3. The count indicates the order of magnitude.