TY - JOUR
T1 - The physical basis of natural units and truly fundamental constants
AU - Hsu, L.
AU - Hsu, J. P.
PY - 2012/1
Y1 - 2012/1
N2 - The natural unit system, in which the value of fundamental constants such as c and -h are set equal to one and all quantities are expressed in terms of a single unit, is usually introduced as a calculational convenience. However, we demonstrate that this system of natural units has a physical justification as well. We discuss and review the natural units, including definitions for each of the seven base units in the International System of Units (SI) in terms of a single unit. We also review the fundamental constants, which can be classified as units-dependent or units-independent. Units-independent constants, whose values are not determined by human conventions of units, may be interpreted as inherent constants of nature.
AB - The natural unit system, in which the value of fundamental constants such as c and -h are set equal to one and all quantities are expressed in terms of a single unit, is usually introduced as a calculational convenience. However, we demonstrate that this system of natural units has a physical justification as well. We discuss and review the natural units, including definitions for each of the seven base units in the International System of Units (SI) in terms of a single unit. We also review the fundamental constants, which can be classified as units-dependent or units-independent. Units-independent constants, whose values are not determined by human conventions of units, may be interpreted as inherent constants of nature.
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U2 - 10.1140/epjp/i2012-12011-5
DO - 10.1140/epjp/i2012-12011-5
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84860806411
SN - 2190-5444
VL - 127
SP - 1
EP - 9
JO - European Physical Journal Plus
JF - European Physical Journal Plus
IS - 1
M1 - 11
ER -