Which prefix corresponds to the factor of 10^3?

The correct choice is associated with the metric prefix that represents a factor of 10^3, which is commonly known as "kilo." In the metric system, this prefix is used to denote a quantity that is 1,000 times the base unit. For example, a kilometer is 1,000 meters, indicating that "kilo" effectively scales the base unit by a factor of one thousand.

Understanding the context of other metric prefixes can help clarify why "kilo" is the appropriate choice. "Hecto," for instance, represents a factor of 10^2, or 100. This means that while "hecto" increases a unit by a factor of a hundred, it is not equivalent to a factor of 1,000.

"Mega" signifies a factor of 10^6, or one million, which is an even larger scale than what is represented by "kilo." Lastly, "tera" corresponds to a factor of 10^12, meaning it denotes a trillion times the base unit, again far exceeding the scale of "kilo."

The connection of "kilo" with the factor of 10^3 makes it an essential concept in measurements, especially in fields where large quantities are