nm

What is a Nanometer?

Length Unit

Definition

A nanometer is a unit of length equal to one-billionth of a meter (0.000000001 m) or one-thousandth of a micrometer.

History

The nanometer became important with the development of nanotechnology in the late 20th century. It is essential for measuring atomic and molecular scales.

Common Uses

  • Semiconductor chip manufacturing
  • Light wavelength measurements
  • DNA and molecular biology
  • Nanotechnology research

Fun Facts

💡

A DNA double helix is about 2 nanometers wide

💡

Visible light wavelengths range from 380-700 nanometers

💡

A water molecule is about 0.28 nanometers in diameter

All Nanometer Conversions