Re: [Phys-l] SI unit for time

["Bill Nettles" <bnettles@uu.edu>]

It is either:
1) A holdover from an earlier time when abbreviations were used (sec.) instead of symbols (s without a period). Many years ago, units were abbreviated.
2) A holdover from a rebellious website author who wants to be belligerent (sp?).
 
The standardization of units is like the standardization of grammar. It helps one communicate with less ambiguity and with more clarity. Just as one attempts to explain physics concepts with accuracy and clarity, one should use standard symbols for units when numerical quantities are given. While there's not a standard practice that I know of (poor grammar!), using "s" as a unit in a sentence without a number is a bad idea, while using "kg" seems okay. I don't know about "N" or "J". Examples:
You should measure the interaction time in s and the total mass in kg.
 
What is your weight in N?
 
Calculate the kinetic energy in J.
 
Seems to me that spelling out those units would be best, but we all get lazy at times.
 
Does anybody still use "gm" for grams?
 
Bill
> > > "Julie Quah" <juliequah@gmail.com> 9/7/2008 1:19 am >>>
i notice that the unit for time is still very much written as sec instead of
s, even in reputed Physics website. Anyone can enlighted?
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