Order of Magnitude
Scientific notation also enables simpler order-of-magnitude comparisons. A proton's mass is 0.0000000000000000000000000016726 kg. If written as 1.6726×10−27 kg, it is easier to compare this mass with that of an electron, given below. The order of magnitude of the ratio of the masses can be obtained by comparing the exponents instead of the more error-prone task of counting the leading zeros. In this case, −27 is larger than −31 and therefore the proton is roughly four orders of magnitude (about 10000 times) more massive than the electron.
Scientific notation also avoids misunderstandings due to regional differences in certain quantifiers, such as billion, which might indicate either 109 or 1012.
Read more about this topic: Scientific Notation
Famous quotes containing the words order of, order and/or magnitude:
“This entire most beautiful order of good things is going to pass away after its measure has been exhausted; for both morning and evening were made in them.”
—St. Augustine (354–430)
“A. Well, an old order is a violent one.
This proves nothing. Just one more truth, one more
Element in the immense disorder of truths.”
—Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)
“Government is either organized benevolence or organized madness; its peculiar magnitude permits no shading.”
—John Updike (b. 1932)