In physics, MKS stands for Meter Kilogram Second system, a system of units used for measurement.
Understanding the MKS System
The MKS system is a system of measurement based on three fundamental units:
- Meter (m): The base unit of length.
- Kilogram (kg): The base unit of mass.
- Second (s): The base unit of time.
This system forms the basis for defining other units used in physics. For example, the unit for force, the Newton (N), is derived from the MKS units: 1 N = 1 kg⋅m/s².
MKS vs. SI
It's important to note that the MKS system is closely related to, and largely superseded by, the International System of Units (SI). The SI system also uses the meter, kilogram, and second as fundamental units, but it expands upon the MKS system by including additional base units for quantities such as:
- Electric current (Ampere)
- Temperature (Kelvin)
- Amount of substance (Mole)
- Luminous intensity (Candela)
Essentially, the MKS system can be considered a subset of the SI system. The SI system (System International) adopted meter, kilogram, and second as the fundamental units.
Importance of the MKS System (and SI)
Using a standardized system of units like MKS (now essentially SI) is crucial in physics because it:
- Ensures consistency: It allows scientists worldwide to communicate their measurements and results effectively.
- Simplifies calculations: Having a common set of units simplifies calculations and reduces the risk of errors.
- Facilitates reproducibility: Consistent units enable experiments to be replicated accurately.
Examples of Units Derived from MKS
Here are some examples of physical quantities and their units derived from the MKS system:
| Quantity | Unit | MKS Representation |
|---|---|---|
| Velocity | meter/second | m/s |
| Acceleration | meter/second² | m/s² |
| Force | Newton | kg⋅m/s² |
| Energy | Joule | kg⋅m²/s² |
| Power | Watt | kg⋅m²/s³ |
