Values to Metric Prefixes Conversion Script

The values_to_metric_prefixes script converts values to quantities with metric prefixes.  

• Enter the values_to_metric_prefixes script (python.microbit.org/v/2 matches the screencaptures).
• Update the Script Name field and then click Load/Save → Download Project Hex.
• Click Connect and select the micro:bit and connect if a popup appears.
• Click Flash to load the script into the micro:bit.

# values_to_metric_prefixes

prefix_exponents = {'M':6, 'k':3, 'm':-3, 'u':-6}

print("Enter decimal value and metric prefix")
print("Result will be quantity and prefix.")
print()

while True:
    text = input("Enter value: ")
    value = float(text)
    prefix = input("Enter metric prefix: ")
    exponent = prefix_exponents[prefix]
    quantity = value / (10 ** exponent)
    unit = input("Enter unit: ")
    prefix_unit = prefix + unit
    print("Value:", quantity, prefix_unit)
    print()

Conversion Script Tests

This script converts decimal values to quantities and metric prefixes.  

• Click Open Serial.
• Click to the right of the Enter Quantity prompt, type 1 and then press the Enter key.
• Continue typing the values in the image below  to the right of each prompt, and press Enter after each one.

Experiment with Other Values

• This time, use the values like 0.050 s.  Here are some you will see in upcoming lessons.  Use the expressions on the left, like 50 ms, 38 kHz and so on.  Substitute ohm for Ω and u for µ.  
  • 0.050 s
  • 38,000 Hz
  • 0.0011 A
  • 0.050 V
  • 1000 ohms
  • 0.000010 F