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Chapter 1: Problem 16

Since the British system of units is more familiar to most people in the United States, why is the international (SI) system of units used for scientific work in the United States?

Short Answer

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Short Answer: The international (SI) system of units is used for scientific work in the United States due to its consistency, coherence, simplicity, international acceptance, and adoption by various industries. This system facilitates better communication and collaboration between scientists and professionals from different countries, and it simplifies calculations and conversions with its base-ten decimal system. Although the British system of units may be more familiar to many Americans, the SI system is essential for the United States to actively participate in global scientific research and collaborate effectively with other countries.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction

The international (SI) system of units is a standardized system of measurement that is used worldwide in scientific work, including in the United States. Although the British system of units is more familiar to many Americans, the SI system is used in science due to its various advantages, as we will discuss in the following steps.
02

Consistency and Coherence

One of the main reasons for using the SI system in scientific work is its consistency and coherence. The SI system has a set of seven base units (meter, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole, and candela), from which all other units are derived. This makes it easier to understand, use, and convert between different units, as opposed to the British system, which has a variety of unrelated units for the same quantities.
03

Decimal System

The SI system is based on multiples of ten, which makes calculations and conversions between units much simpler. A decimal system allows for better precision and easier understanding of measurements. In contrast, the British system uses various relationships and conversion factors between units, making it more challenging to work with in scientific calculations.
04

International Acceptance

The SI system is recognized and used internationally, facilitating communication and collaboration between scientists from different countries. Since it is the standard system used in scientific literature, research, and patents, it is essential for the United States to use the SI system in order to participate in global scientific progress. The British system, on the other hand, is not widely used and understood outside of the United States and a few other countries.
05

Adoption by Various Industries

Many industries, such as engineering, manufacturing, and medicine, have also adopted the SI system, as it allows for better collaboration and communication within and between different sectors. Using a consistent system of measurement across various fields ensures accuracy and reduces the chances of errors resulting from unit conversions.
06

Conclusion

Although the British system of units may be more familiar to many people in the United States, the international (SI) system of units is used for scientific work due to its consistency, coherence, simplicity, international acceptance, and adoption by various industries. Adopting the SI system allows the United States to actively participate in global scientific research and collaborate effectively with other countries.

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