SI and Gaussian unit conversion in electrodynamics

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In electrodynamics, the relationship between SI and Gaussian units reveals significant differences, particularly regarding the presence of factors of 4π in various formulas. SI units are "rationalized," meaning Maxwell's equations lack explicit 4π factors, while Gaussian units include them in some equations but not in force laws like Coulomb's law. Additionally, in Gaussian units, the electric field E and magnetic field B share the same dimension, leading to a factor of c difference in their definitions compared to SI units. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for correctly applying formulas in different unit systems. This knowledge aids in navigating the complexities of electrodynamics effectively.
jaobyccdee
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Homework Statement


I am reading about electrodynamics, and in different formula, there is a SI form and a Gaussian form.


Homework Equations


What is the relationship in the different unit system for c or B or E and other relative variables?



The Attempt at a Solution


sometimes there's a difference of 4(pie)/c, sometimes there's only 1/c, but i don't see when is which and which.
 
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hi jaobyccdee! :smile:

there's a good overview (but unfortunately no table) in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaussian_units#Major_differences_between_Gaussian_and_SI_units

in particular …
One difference between Gaussian and SI units is in the factors of 4π in various formulas. SI is called "rationalized", because Maxwell's equations have no explicit factors of 4π in the formulas. On the other hand, the force laws, Coulomb's law and the Biot–Savart law, do have factors of 4π in them.

In Gaussian units, which are not "rationalized", the situation is reversed: Two of Maxwell's equations have factors of 4π in the formulas, while both of the force laws, Coulomb's law and the Biot–Savart law, have no factors of 4π.​
and
In Gaussian units, unlike SI units, the electric field E and the magnetic field B have the same dimension. This amounts to a factor of c difference between how B is defined in the two unit systems, on top of the other differences​
 
thank you!:)
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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