Final answer:
The International System of Units, known as SI, is the standardized system of measurement adopted worldwide for scientific and technical use. It is based on the metric system, with units like meter, kilogram, and second, defined in an absolute manner. The SI provides a simple method for unit conversion via decimal multiples, which facilitates international uniformity in measurements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The International System of Units (SI)
The International System of Units, abbreviated as SI from the French term Le Système International d'Unités, is the modern form of the metric system and is the most widely used system of measurement for science and international commerce. The SI system is built on seven base units for different measures, such as meter (length), kilogram (mass), and second (time). Each unit is defined in an absolute way without referring to any other units, and they provide a foundation for expressing values through multiples of 10, simplifying conversions and calculations.
Adopted by international agreement in 1960, the SI system has been accepted as the standard system of units in virtually every country, except the United States which still uses English units to a large extent. However, for scientific, technological, healthcare, and industrial applications worldwide, the SI units are the norm, ensuring clarity and uniformity in measurements. Unlike English units, IT involves straightforward conversion between larger and smaller units through decimal shifts, as all values in the metric system are calculated by factors of 10. This makes it significantly easier to work with and convert between different measurement scales.
The metric system's global acceptance and the ease of use offered by the SI units underscore the importance of a uniform, standardized system for precise and consistent measurements in scientific and technical disciplines.