As we know, a trillion is a big number. It’s hard to wrap our heads around what comes next after a trillion. But, there is an answer to this question.
The next number after a trillion is a quadrillion. A quadrillion is a thousand times bigger than a trillion, which means it is a one followed by 15 zeros, or 1,000,000,000,000,000.
To put this number into perspective, let’s think about it in terms of time. If we were to count to a trillion, it would take us 31,709 years. But if we were to count to a quadrillion, it would take us 31,709,790 years. That’s almost 32 million years!
We rarely encounter numbers in the quadrillions in our daily lives. However, they are used in certain fields such as finance, physics, and astronomy.
In finance, quadrillions are used in the context of derivatives, which are financial instruments that derive their value from an underlying asset or group of assets. The notional value of these derivatives can reach into the quadrillions.
In physics, quadrillions are used to measure the energy released by certain events. For example, a supernova explosion can release about 10 quadrillion times the energy of the sun in one second.
In astronomy, quadrillions are used to measure distances between galaxies. Astronomers use a unit of measurement called a light-year, which is the distance that light travels in one year. The distance between galaxies can be in the quadrillions of light-years.
While the concept of a quadrillion may seem unfathomable, it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to large numbers. There are still quintillions, sextillions, and so on.
FAQs:
Q: How many zeros are in a quadrillion?
A: There are 15 zeros in a quadrillion.
Q: What comes after a quadrillion?
A: The next number after a quadrillion is a quintillion, which is a one followed by 18 zeros.
Q: How is a quadrillion written numerically?
A: A quadrillion is written as 1,000,000,000,000,000.
Q: Why do we use such large numbers?
A: Large numbers are used in certain fields such as finance, physics, and astronomy to measure and quantify vast amounts of data or energy.
Q: Is there a limit to how big a number can be?
A: Technically, no, there is no limit to how big a number can be, but there is a limit to how accurately we can measure or represent these numbers using current mathematical systems and computer technology.