Picometer to Meter Converter (pm to m)
Instantly convert between picometers and meters using this precise tool. Essential for atomic physics, quantum mechanics, and nanotechnology applications. 100% free with no registration required.
Conversion Formula
1 picometer (pm) = 0.000000000001 meters (m)
To convert picometers to meters:
meters = picometers × 0.000000000001
Example: 2500 pm × 0.000000000001 = 0.0000000025 m
Picometer to Meter Conversion Table
| Picometers (pm) | Meters (m) |
|---|---|
| 1 pm | 0.000000000001 m |
| 10 pm | 0.00000000001 m |
| 100 pm | 0.0000000001 m |
| 1000 pm | 0.000000001 m |
| 10000 pm | 0.00000001 m |
| 100000 pm | 0.0000001 m |
| 1000000 pm | 0.000001 m |
| 10000000 pm | 0.00001 m |
| 100000000 pm | 0.0001 m |
| 1000000000 pm | 0.001 m |
| 2500000000 pm | 0.0025 m |
Practical Examples
- Atomic radius: 100 pm = 0.0000000001 m (e.g., hydrogen atom)
- Bond length: 150 pm = 0.00000000015 m (e.g., C-C bond in molecules)
- Wavelength of X-rays: 1000 pm = 0.000000001 m
Professional Applications
- Atomic physics: Measuring atomic and molecular distances
- Quantum mechanics: Analyzing subatomic particle interactions
- Nanotechnology: Designing nanoscale structures
- Crystallography: Studying crystal lattice dimensions
Reference: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Definition and Background
What is a Picometer?
A picometer (pm) is a metric unit of length equal to 0.000000000001 meters. The name comes from:
- Italian “pico”: meaning small
- Greek “metron”: meaning measure
What is a Meter?
The meter (m) is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It was originally defined in 1793 as:
- 1/10,000,000 of the distance from the equator to the North Pole
- Now defined by the speed of light (1/299,792,458 of a second)
Metric System Hierarchy
| Unit | Symbol | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Picometer | pm | 0.000000000001 m |
| Nanometer | nm | 0.000000001 m |
| Micrometer | µm | 0.000001 m |
| Millimeter | mm | 0.001 m |
| Centimeter | cm | 0.01 m |
| Decimeter | dm | 0.1 m |
| Meter | m | 1 m |
| Dekameter | dam | 10 m |
| Hectometer | hm | 100 m |
| Kilometer | km | 1,000 m |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I use picometers instead of meters?
Picometers are used for ultra-precise measurements of extremely small distances, such as in atomic physics and quantum mechanics, where meters are too large.
How precise is picometer measurement?
Picometers are extremely precise (1 pm = 0.000000000001 m), ideal for applications requiring subatomic accuracy, like measuring atomic radii.
What’s the history of the picometer?
Introduced as part of the metric system during the French Revolution, the term “picometer” derives from Italian “pico” (small) and Greek “metron” (measure).
Are picometers used worldwide?
Picometers are widely used in scientific and technical fields globally, particularly in countries using the metric system, but are not common in everyday use.