Final answer:
The statement is false because accuracy in measurement is determined by precision and care, not the system used. The metric system's ease of conversion and international recognition make it the preferred choice in science.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that scientists use the metric system chiefly because it is more accurate than the English system is false. Accuracy in measurement is not determined by the system used but by the precision of the measurement tools and the care with which measurements are taken. The metric system, or International System of Units (SI), is preferred in science primarily because of its ease of conversion between units, as each unit is based on multiples of 10. The fundamental SI base units include the meter for length, the kilogram for mass, and the second for time, all of which simplify calculations and conversions in scientific work.
The use of the metric system in science provides significant advantages over the English system. Units like the meter, liter, and gram are internationally recognized and facilitate uniform communication and comparison of data. Conversion between these units is straightforward due to their decimal base. Therefore, while both systems can be precise, the metric system's simplicity and uniformity provide practical advantages for the global scientific community.