Crosson said:The short answer is that cgs is on the way out and mks is on the way in.
CGS (centimeter-gram-second) and SI (International System of Units) are two different systems of measurement. CGS uses centimeters, grams, and seconds as its base units, while SI uses meters, kilograms, and seconds. SI units are more commonly used in scientific research and international trade, while CGS units are more commonly used in fields such as electromagnetism and fluid mechanics.
CGS units are typically used in fields where small values and precise measurements are important, such as in atomic and molecular physics, and in the study of subatomic particles. They are also commonly used in engineering calculations for electromagnetic systems and fluid dynamics.
SI units are used in most scientific research and international trade, as well as in everyday life. They are the standard units for measuring length, mass, time, temperature, and many other quantities. SI units are also used in engineering applications, particularly in fields such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and electricity.
Yes, it is possible to convert between CGS and SI units using conversion factors. For example, to convert from CGS to SI length units, you would multiply the CGS value by 0.01 to get the equivalent SI value. It is important to note that when converting between units, the numerical value may change, but the physical quantity remains the same.
Both CGS and SI units are equally accurate, as they are based on the same fundamental physical quantities. The choice of unit system depends on the specific application and the convenience of using certain units for a particular calculation. It is important to use consistent units throughout a calculation to ensure accuracy and avoid errors.