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nm to m Converter

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Created by: Liam Turner

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Easily convert lengths between nanometers (nm) and meters (m) with our precise online calculator. Whether you're working with scientific measurements, engineering projects at the nanoscale, or academic research, this tool provides quick and accurate conversions to help you seamlessly switch between these units of length. Simply input your value in either nanometers or meters to get the instant conversion.

What is an nm to m Converter?

An nm to m Converter is a tool used to convert lengths from nanometers (nm) to meters (m). The nanometer is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to one billionth of a meter (10-9 m). It is commonly used to measure dimensions at the atomic, molecular, and nanoscale levels.

This conversion is essential in many scientific and engineering disciplines, including nanotechnology, materials science, optics (e.g., wavelength of light), semiconductor manufacturing, and microscopy.

nm to m Conversion Formulas

The fundamental relationship between nanometers and meters is:

1 meter (m) = 1,000,000,000 nanometers (nm) = 109 nm

Therefore, to convert from nanometers (nm) to meters (m):

Meters (m) = Nanometers (nm) / 1,000,000,000

Alternatively, using scientific notation:

Meters (m) = Nanometers (nm) × 10-9

To convert from meters (m) to nanometers (nm):

Nanometers (nm) = Meters (m) × 1,000,000,000

Or:

Nanometers (nm) = Meters (m) × 109

How to Convert nm to m: Example

Suppose the wavelength of green light is approximately 550 nm. To convert this to meters:

  1. Identify the value in nanometers: 550 nm
  2. Apply the conversion formula (nm to m): m = nm / 1,000,000,000
  3. Calculate: m = 550 / 1,000,000,000 = 0.00000055 m
  4. Alternatively, in scientific notation: m = 550 × 10-9 m = 5.5 × 10-7 m

So, 550 nanometers is equal to 0.00000055 meters or 5.5 × 10-7 meters.

Common Applications

  • Nanotechnology: Describing the size of nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanodevices.
  • Optics: Specifying the wavelength of light (e.g., visible light ranges from about 400 nm to 700 nm).
  • Semiconductor Industry: Measuring feature sizes in integrated circuits (e.g., transistor gate lengths).
  • Materials Science: Characterizing thin films, coatings, and material grain sizes.
  • Biology & Microscopy: Measuring cellular structures, viruses, and large molecules.
  • Physics: Quantum mechanics and atomic-scale phenomena.

Sources and References

  1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (Definitions of SI units and prefixes).
  2. Hornyak, G. L., Dutta, J., Tibbals, H. F., & Rao, A. (2008). *Introduction to Nanoscience*. CRC Press. (Fundamentals of nanoscale measurements).
  3. International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). (Official documentation on the International System of Units (SI)).