On the nature of SI prefixes and the requirements for extending the available range
Abstract
The use of SI prefixes allows very large and very small numerical values to be expressed on an accessible 'human scale' whilst continuing to employ SI units. The development of this system and the benefits of its use are discussed. The drivers for the adoption of new SI prefixes are considered and current requirements assessed, particularly from information technology and data science where a clear and pressing need is demonstrated. Considerations for producing new names and symbols for SI prefixes are discussed and new names and symbols to expand the range of SI prefix names (and symbols) from 1030 to 10-30 are proposed. These are, for 1030: quecca (Q); for 1027: ronna (R); for 10-27: ronto (r); and for 10-30: quecto (q). It is argued that there are no drawbacks to expanding the range of SI prefixes, only possible benefits. For those who need the new prefixes they will become well used and familiar: for those who never use them they will never become well known, but their introduction will never cause confusion or disbenefit.
- Publication:
-
Measurement
- Pub Date:
- April 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.measurement.2019.01.059
- Bibcode:
- 2019Meas..137..339B
- Keywords:
-
- SI units;
- SI prefixes;
- Language of science;
- Data science