Question

The SI unit of time is (a) second (b) minute (c) hour

Short answer

The SI unit of time is the second.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the SI System

SI, or the International System of Units, is a system of physical units that is used all over the world. In SI, there are seven base units from which all other units can be derived. One of these base units is the unit of time.

Identify the SI Unit of Time

In the SI system, the base unit of time is the second. Option (a) is therefore the correct answer.

Key concepts

International System of Units

The International System of Units, abbreviated as SI, is the globally recognized standard for measuring physical quantities. It ensures that scientists and engineers around the world use the same measurements, enabling clear communication and reducing errors in data interpretation. Originally established in 1960, the SI system has been adopted in almost every country in the world.

SI is built on a foundation of coherence and consistency, which allows different fields of science and technology to work together seamlessly. The system is updated periodically to reflect advances in science, and these updates help maintain its accuracy and relevance.

• It is used for all types of measurements, including length, mass, time, electric current, temperature, amount of substance, and luminous intensity.
• Its coherence makes it simple to reproduce internationally.
• The uniformity in unit standards helps eliminate confusion in international collaborations.

The use of the International System of Units facilitates international trade and fosters mutual understanding among various scientific disciplines.

Base Units in SI

The base units in the International System of Units are the building blocks from which all other measurements are derived. There are seven base units in total, and each represents a fundamental physical quantity.

These units are carefully defined to rely on constant properties of nature, ensuring their stability and universality:

• Meter (m): for measuring length.
• Kilogram (kg): for measuring mass.
• Second (s): for measuring time.
• Ampere (A): for measuring electric current.
• Kelvin (K): for measuring temperature.
• Mole (mol): for measuring the amount of substance.
• Candela (cd): for measuring luminous intensity.

Together, these units form the foundation of the SI system. Derived units come from the combination of these base units to express a wide range of additional physical quantities, such as velocity, acceleration, and force.

Second as a Unit of Time

In the International System of Units, the second is the base unit used for measuring time. It is one of the most fundamental units as it underpins all time-related calculations across various fields. The definition of the second has been revised over time to reflect more precise measurements.

Currently, a second is defined by using the properties of the cesium atom. The exact specification is based on the emission of radiation from cesium-133 atoms:

• One second is the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of radiation corresponding to the transition between two levels of the cesium-133 atom.
• This precision helps maintain the accuracy of timekeeping devices and systems globally.

This highly precise measurement supports a wide range of applications, from global positioning systems (GPS) to scientific research, where exact time measurements are crucial.