As all physicists know, all units are arbitrary. The numbering system is anthropocentric; for example, the Celsius scale of temperature has 100 degrees between the boiling point of water at STP and the freezing point of water. The number 100 is chosen because human beings have 10 fingers. The best units might be based on physical constants, for…

Today's society is characterized by a plurality of cultures in such a way that a person will often interact and interrelate with new cultures. The situation becomes even more complicated when one has to adapt to a new culture for a short period of time (travel or study visit) or a long period of time (new work place, emigration etc.). Any…

Looks at what the problems are in the use of quantities and units in chemistry and what has been achieved until this time. Considers quantity and amount of substance, quotients of physical quantities, composition of mixed phases, and equations with quantities. Makes recommendations for future considerations. (CW)

Presents a survey of the International System of Units, usually denoted by its French abbreviation, SI (Systeme International), how it came about, and how it is likely to develop in the future. Describes SI units (base, derived, and supplementary) and new definitions for base units. (Author/SK)

Demonstrates, using specific problems, how various energy units can be converted to joules and power units to watts. Conversion tables are provided for power, energy, generation values, thermal insulation, consumption values, sunlight, with tables also on metric prefixes and time conversions. (SK)

Provides an overview and description of the metric system. Discusses the evolution of measurement systems and their early cultures, the beginnings of metric measurement, the history of measurement systems in the United States, the International System of Units, its general style and usage, and supplementary units. (RT)

Describes development of units to teach measuring skills using manipulative materials. Concepts fostered include repetition of identical units, comparison, and standardized units. Descriptions of activities on length and area and mass are given, as well as references for additional activities. (JM)

Discusses the history and evolution of measurement standards from 3000 BC to the modern metric system. Traces measurement techniques from comparisons with the human body to use of atomic clocks and lasers to establish the length of a meter. (JM)

Traces the events leading to the creation of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). Discusses how the units have been represented by their standards, and investigates how the original metric system evolved into the International System of Units (SI), focusing on the meter, second, kilogram, and electrical units. (SK)

Introduces college level geography students to the International System of Units (SI), a standardized set of units used in science, engineering, and commerce. Identifies the SI base units as meter, kilogram, second, kelvin, ampere, mole, and candela. Includes geographically relevant examples of each. (MJP)