Why is the metric system used in science?

Answer 1

Because the rest of the world uses the metric system. If you leave the U.S., science is still science. If we used our system, it would be hard to convert our discoveries.

{ADDED} It would not be "hard" arithmetically but it would certainly add extra work, so everyone including American scientists, now uses the single, SI units for consistency and co-operation. The SI (Systeme International) units are a single set of mathematically-coherent dimensions based on the metric system, temperature in ºCelsius or ºKelvin (same "size" but differing 0º points), and fundamental electrical units.

Answer 2

Because all scientists needed to have an universal language so they can communicate.

It's been taken further by the SI (System Internationale) units, which take a set of fundamental units such as the metre, gramme* and second, and combine them into cohesive, co-operative compound units.

The only drawbacks are that although the sums are easy (all in multiples of powers of 10) the preferred units are often rather unwieldy, and the practice of naming complex compound units after famous scientists renders dimensional analysis rather difficult!

*I always respect the original French spellings: besides a meter measures, but a metre is a measure that may be measured by a meter!

Answer 3

The metric system is decimal. Calculations in the metric system is easier.

It goes further than that. It forms the basis of the SI system (Systeme Internationale - I can't add the accents here) in which all the units of measure in all areas of science are forced into a cohesive whole reducible to a fairly small number of foundation units.

All well and good but it does create some odd things that may be useful in the lab but aren't much use in everyday life!

Worse perhaps, it tried to honour pioneering scientists by naming compound units after them, which makes dimensional analysis almost impossible.

At heart though it's still the metric system, invented by the French in Napoleonic times to overcome the dreadful shambles they had with all manner of odd, regional, units.

Answer 4

The metric system is used in science because it is based on units that are designed to be easy to work with and convert between. Its decimal nature simplifies calculations, promotes consistency, and makes it easier to compare measurements across different fields of study. Additionally, the use of standard prefixes allows for convenient scaling of units for both small and large values.

Answer 5

The metric system is the international standard of measurement.

Answer 6

Since the metric system is based on ten (10), it is easier for people, scientists, doctors, etc. to use.

Answer 7

So that other people know what you're talking about

when you tell them a number with a metric unit.

Answer 8

- it is more simple than other systems

- it is coherent

- it is scientific and rational