Answer to Question #24082 in Chemistry for Muhammad Rizwan

Question

conversion of system International is simpler than American engineering system.why?

Answer 1

The US measurement system is a confusing matter and still holds itself apart from the metric system employed by most other countries. There are a few exceptions. Medical and scientific fields use the metric system, and many items for trade are now measured in the International System of Units (SI), also called the metric system.The US measurement system is based on the English system, or imperial units, though England has now long since converted to SI. However, the change to SI was not an easy passage in the mid 19th century. Though Britain is officially on the metric system, imperial units are still widely used.Legally, according to laws passed in 1988, SI became the standard measurement system for trade and commerce in the US. SI is also taught in schools at a relatively young age, but it is difficult to make the conversions.If one initially learns the metric system, it is far easier. Everything is constructed on a base ten approach, so conversion from centimeters to meters is a simple matter. Conversely, the US measurement system is often problematic. It is not consistent in its measurements so conversion is quite challenging.For example, twelve inches equal a foot, but eight (liquid) ounces equal a cup. Sixteen (weight) ounces equal a pound, but three feet equal a yard. Children must memorize quite a bit to perform appropriate conversions.