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Understanding the Revised SI: Background, Consequences, and Perspectives
Author(s) -
Liebisch Tara Cubel,
Stenger Jörn,
Ullrich Joachim
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
annalen der physik
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.009
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1521-3889
pISSN - 0003-3804
DOI - 10.1002/andp.201800339
Subject(s) - construct (python library) , constant (computer programming) , planck , international system of units , theoretical physics , epistemology , computer science , physics , sociology , philosophy , quantum mechanics , programming language , metrology
This article expounds the significance of the revision of the international system of units, the SI, approved by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) in 2018. The revised SI implements a construct of a system of units based on fixing the numerical values of constants of nature, the “defining constants.” This fundamental development in the SI is not only elegant and infinitely sustainable, but moreover will drive future technological innovation. This article provides an historical overview and discusses the underlying principles and consequences of the revised SI: from the history of Planck's proposal for creating a system of units “valid for all times and civilizations,” to the scientific and technological motivations for the revision and the expected resulting innovations.