2007-01-20 19:04:05 · 3 answers · asked by JT 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Metric is based on powers of ten; English is based on historical usage of ancient origin.
2007-01-20 19:08:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The English or familiar device is in keeping with non-usual "standards" working example: an inch replaced into the dimensions of a thumb knuckle, or 3 barley corns, a foot replaced right into a kings foot, a cubit replaced into the dimensions from the top of the middle finger to the elbow. A backyard replaced into from the top of the nostril to the top of the hands, Mass could nicely be measured in stones. The metric device relies on earth. initially a meter replaced right into a fraction of the gap around the equator. Now that's a definite wavelength of sunshine. A gram replaced right into a cm^3 of water, using fact they set the density at 1g/cm^3 The metric device is all in keeping with tens and has no fractions. that's lots greater relatively used and converted. it is likewise usual in technology around the realm.
2016-10-31 21:38:23 · answer #2 · answered by barn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Metric units lend themselves to mathematics. As everything is numbered in tens, calculations are easy. Imperial units are all over the place and some calculations are very difficult indeed. Some units, such as inches of mercury as a measure of air pressure, cannot be used in calculations.
2007-01-20 19:13:38 · answer #3 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋