Short Answer 
10 mm is equivalent to 1 cm, as there are 10 millimeters in a centimeter. To visualize 10 mm, think of the width of a standard graphite pencil or the diameter of a green pea, and remember that converting metric units, like changing 12 mm to 1.20 cm, is simply done by moving the decimal point.
Step 1: Understanding Millimeters and Centimeters
The size of 10 mm is equivalent to 1 centimeter (cm), as there are 10 millimeters in one centimeter. This foundational knowledge is important when working with metric measurements. Recognizing that a millimeter is a smaller unit compared to a centimeter can aid in various practical applications.
Step 2: Practical References for 10 mm
To visualize the size of 10 mm, consider the following everyday references:
- The width of a standard graphite pencil
- Slightly less than the diameter of a green pea
These comparisons can help you better understand the actual size of 10 mm in a physical context.
Step 3: Using the Metric System for Conversions
Utilizing the “power of 10” makes converting between different units of length straightforward. For example, to convert 12.0 mm to centimeters, simply shift the decimal point one place to the left to get 1.20 cm. This approach highlights the efficiency and simplicity of metric conversions.