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).
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