Re: SI and nothing else

[LUDWIK KOWALSKI <KOWALSKIL@alpha.montclair.edu>]

On 15 Oct 1997 Bob Sciamanda was responding to:

> > ... For example, for TIME one could say: "one GeV^(-1) is a time interval 
> >   between two maxima of E(t) for an e.m. wave at a fixed vacuum location.

He wrote:

> But this doesn't define a definite interval of time unless the frequency 
> of the e.m. wave is specified.  Or do I mis-interpret. (I never could make 
> sense out of this h=c=1 system!)

I did goof on the verbal interpretation of the TIME line. Perhaps somebody 
will come with a correct interpretation. The relation, T=1/f, which I should 
have accounted for, has nothing to do with the system of units.

Forget about h=c=1 and think in terms of common units. Or refer to harmonic
waves traveling from left to right along a tight rope. The f is imposed by 
the source and v is imposed by the tension in the rope. A higher f always
corresponds to a shorter L (wavelength) because v=L*f=const. The time interval 
between two maxima passing me is different for each f. 

Suppose I declare that v is dimensionless and equal to one. Why? Because 
I am a spider who lives on this rope and v is my "universal constant". And 
I want to simplify things as much as possible. What can be more simple that 
a system with only one fundamental unit?

Is c=h=1 an example of a simplification which makes things more difficult?

                                               Ludwik Kowalski