Give two reasons why scientists prefer the metric to the "us" system of measurement.
History · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021
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- Decimal System and Ease of Conversion:
- The metric system is based on the decimal system, where units are related to powers of 10. This makes conversions between units straightforward by simply moving the decimal point. For example, moving from centimeters to meters involves shifting the decimal point two places to the left.
- In contrast, the US system lacks a consistent decimal structure, leading to more complex conversion factors. Conversions between inches, feet, and yards involve different factors, making calculations less intuitive.
2.Consistency and Coherence:
- The metric system is coherent and consistent, with a logical and standardized relationship between units. Metric prefixes, such as kilo-, centi-, and milli-, represent factors of 10. This systematic approach allows for easy scaling of measurements.