Problems Metric time







one problem lies in size of time units created using metric prefixes. international system of units has developed prefixes express units exponential multiples or sub-multiples. first 3 multiples viable use within metric time system; are:



however, next multiples are:



such lengths of time relatively impractical measuring human activities.


for decimal multiples of metric time unit practical, standard units , prefixes need developed or revived 4th , 5th exponents becomes viable measuring human life. historically, metric system included myria- prefix represent 10 (and counterpart dimi- prefix 10), si (introduced in 1960) omitted prefixes , prohibited using multiple prefixes such decahecto-, workaround in use prior si, leaving no way name orders of magnitude. 10 represented using various ad hoc solutions; 100 000 meters composed grade, 100 000 pascals composed bar, , 100 000 dynes composed newton; of these conversions stem compatible units used in si (and predecessor, mks) , cgs system of units. meteorologists use unit of 100 000 seconds (a quantity on order of day) quantify atmospheric vorticity @ synoptic scale; unit, however, not have formal name.


the way express nonstandard order of magnitude si unit combine 2 prefixed si derived units component base units cancel out; example, units of 10 seconds expressed kilojoules per centiwatt (kj/cw) or hectocoulombs per milliampere (hc/ma). such misuse of si derived units can create cognitive dissonance; requires invocation of units not directly related quantity being measured (coulombs , amperes, example, quantify electricity, making awkward combine 2 in way creates unit of time no electrical component).








Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Prosodic bootstrapping Bootstrapping (linguistics)

Principal leitmotifs Music of The Lord of the Rings film series

List of masters Devon and Somerset Staghounds