What is represented by the prefix 'nano-'?

The prefix 'nano-' signifies a factor of one billionth, or 10^-9, of a given unit. In the context of measurement, it specifically refers to a billionth of a meter, which is crucial for understanding the scale of nanotechnology. At the nanoscale, materials and devices are often at dimensions ranging from 1 nanometer to 100 nanometers, allowing scientists to manipulate and utilize properties that differ significantly from their bulk counterparts. This small scale enables unique physical and chemical properties, leading to innovations in various fields such as medicine, materials science, and electronics.