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Understanding the CCC Measurement System

Apr 22, 2025

Lecture Notes: Systems of Measurement and the CCC System

Introduction

  • The lecture discusses a joke about systems of measurement, specifically the CCC system.
  • Explanation of the concept of "coherence" in metrology, allowing calculations without needing unit conversions.

Coherent Systems of Measurement

  • A coherent system uses one standard unit for each fundamental quantity.
  • Example: MKS (Meter, Kilogram, Second) system where velocity is measured in meters per second.
  • Other coherent systems:
    • FPS (Foot, Pound, Second)
    • CGS (Centimeter, Gram, Second)
    • FFF (Furlong, Firkin, Fortnight)

Force and Mass

  • Force is mass times acceleration.
  • Examples of force units:
    • Newton (MKS): kgĀ·m/sĀ²
    • Poundal (FPS): lbĀ·ft/sĀ²
    • Dyne (CGS): gĀ·cm/sĀ²
  • Pound as both mass and force unit in the American system, leading to the concept of "slug" (unit of mass).

CCC (Calorie, Speed of Light, Middle C) System

  • Proposed as a new fundamentally different coherent system.
  • Base Units:
    • Velocity: Speed of light (c)
    • Energy: Calorie
    • Frequency: Middle C (262 Hz)
  • Derived Units:
    • Mass: Calorie per cĀ²
    • Length: c per Middle C
  • Comparison of units to MKS, CGS, FPS systems.

Derived Quantities in CCC System

  • Power: Middle C calories
  • Force: Middle C calories per speed of light
  • Acceleration: Frequency times velocity
  • Area and Volume: Derived by squaring and cubing length unit
  • Density: Mass over volume
  • Pressure: Force per area
  • E=mcĀ² restatement: Pressure equals density times cĀ²

Extensions to the Seven C's

  • Seven fundamental units in SI (e.g., temperature, luminosity).
  • Additional units:
    • Temperature: Degrees Celsius
    • Luminous Intensity: Candelas
    • Charge: Coulomb
  • Electrical units derived from above:
    • Current, Voltage, Capacitance, Resistance, Conductance

Conclusion

  • The CCC system, while humorous, demonstrates a creative approach to unit systems.
  • Suggestion of using "the Seven C's" for full capability matching SI units.
  • Ending on a light note about naming conventions and unit sizes.

Full transcript