Two questions from a reader have prompted thoughts about the impact on UK trade of the continued use of pound/inch units in the US, and about the future prospects for manufacturing industry. (more…)
Archive for the ‘Technical’ Category
Measuring, trading and manufacturing
Sunday, July 18th, 2010Is there room for non-standard units within SI?
Saturday, June 5th, 2010One of the main advantages of SI – the metric system – is that it can be used for any measurement task (from the kitchen to the science lab) – thus avoiding the need to learn a plethora of specific units for specific purposes. However, is there a case for making certain exceptions to this rule? (Warning: this article is for the technically-minded).
How big is that oil spill?
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010A reader of Metric Views points out that confusion on the reporting of this disaster is not limited to the UK.
An improvement in the weather
Friday, April 23rd, 2010A recent exchange of e-mails between Ezra, a reader of MetricViews in the USA, and Tony, in the UK, suggests that recent years have seen changes for the better in weather reporting in the both the UK and Canada. Do other readers of MetricViews share Tony’s viewpoint? (more…)
How should we measure energy (and power)?
Friday, April 9th, 2010The recent consultation on so-called “calories” on menus, together with the launch of more new models of electric cars has prompted these thoughts on the dysfunctional way in which we measure energy and power. This muddle reflects a lack of understanding of basic science and prevents people from making useful comparisons. We should standardise on the joule (J) and the watt (W).
Joules on the menu, please
Thursday, March 11th, 2010The very worthy proposal of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) that menus should state energy values is undermined by its failure to use proper measurement units. UKMA has responded by advocating joules rather than so-called “calories” (whatever they may be).
Spare a thought for any would-be Brysons out there
Sunday, February 21st, 2010What units do you choose when you are writing travel books and other popular non-fiction for English speakers, wherever they might be found? (Article written by a reader of Bill Bryson’s books) (more…)
Why do nautical miles linger on?
Friday, January 1st, 2010I recently had an exchange of correspondence with an acquaintance (a former RAF pilot) who tried to explain to me why most of the world of aviation still uses nautical miles and knots rather than kilometres and km/h. The explanation went like this.
Electric cars – an opportunity for SI, or a threat?
Friday, December 4th, 2009The arrival of electric cars on our streets will draw attention to measures for comparing performance.
An anniversary overlooked
Saturday, September 26th, 2009This year marks 125 years since the United Kingdom signed the Metre Convention. (more…)