Extension Home Economics 163

THINK METRIC

liter

meter

gram

LEE COUNTY

EXTENSION HOME ECONOMICS AGENT

3406 PALM BEACH BOULEVARD

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA 33905

Florida Cooperative Extension Service

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

University of Florida, Gainesville

THINK METRIC

Within the next few years you may be buying your milk by the liter, figuring your travel distances in kilometers and weighing yourself in kilograms. America is drifting toward the metric system for its general system of weights and measures. Presently about 11% of the country's economy is already on the metric system, primarily in medicine, engineering, drug, military, and other scientific fields.

You are using some metric terms now, probably without being aware of it. For example, our electrical measurements are made in metric terms, such as watts, volts, amperes. The metric system is used to build competition type swimming pools and for sports event such as the 25 meter race. Cameras are sold as 8, 16, and 32 millimeter.

In 1968 Congress passed Public Law 92, The Metric Study Act. The purpose of the legistlation was to find out the effects of converting to the metric system and to decid if it is desirable. After three years of study the Department of Commerce recommended to congress that the U.S. move gradually toward metrification.

The United States is the only industrial nation in the world who is not using or commited to making the change to the metric system. In addition to metrification are Barbados, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Muscat and Oman, Sierra Leone, Southern Yemen, Tonga, and Trinidad.

Benefits to the Consumer

* Mathematical computations would be simpler because the metric system is built upon units of 10. Comparison shopping would be easier since fractions would virtually be eliminated.

* Unifying effect among nations would be another result. It would help to establish international standards for commercial, industrial and technical use. This would provide a wider choice range of imported products. it would simplify repairs on imported products. Shopping by tourist and over-seas millitary personnel would be simpler.

*Prescription drugs and medications are formulated using the metric system. Yet, for use, they rever to a not so scientific teaspon or other common measurements.

*Since labels would have to be revised, and possibly packages resized, the food industry could be motivated to standardize sizes and possibly eliminate some. This could be the time for improvements in labeling.

Benefits to Industry

* Converting to the metric system would expand America's world markets. U.S. made products are increasingly at a disadvantage in world trade competition. Products manufactured on the common or "English" system will require special tools and replacement parts in countries wehre the metric system is standard.

* Conversion would strengthen the United States' position in the International Organization for Standardization, where American technical developments sometimes are not at a disadvantage.

* The exchange of technical information relating to business and industry would be aided by metrification. It would be easier to export and import manufacturing machines and equipment and partially made products. It would simplify the transfer of skilled workers from country to country

* Conversion to the metric system would eliminate problems of using 2 systems of weights and measures in scientific and technical industries. It is estimated the space industry alone would save millions of dollars yearly if we converted to the metric system.

Disadvantages

Converting to the metric system would be costly and confusing. Of necessity it must be slow. Some of the problems are:

-- Industry would have to replace machinery and equipment. this will be expensive. To avoid prohibitive costs this re-tooling will be done when styles and designs are changed or there is a break down of equipment.

-- There would be a period of keeping and inventory of both the common and metric replacement parts, supplies and tools.

-- Consumers would have to but new measuring devices, such as centigrade thermometers, metric sticks and metric cups for home use. Cook books and other instructions would have to be rewritten.

-- There would be a period of uncertainty and confusion. People are resistant to change.

-- Some changes in measurements would result. This could create problems for replacing some built-in equipment. For example, replacing a window could be a problem.

The Conversion Period

Conversion would require approximately 10 years. For some items it would be longer, for others less.

It would have to be gradual. People would be taught by various methods, for example:

-- Dual labeling. Labels would carry both systems of measurements for a period of time, then the "English" system would be dropped.

-- Conversion charts. Consumers would be given small conversion charts to carry in their wallets.

-- Salespeople. Information could be given by salespeople at the point of sale.

-- Mass Media. TV, radio, newspapers, and magazines could do much to inform the consumer.

-- Special classes by the Extension Service would provide information for consumers.

Terms to Learn

Our customary or "English" system of weights and measures contains many terms, such as pint, gallon, peck, bushel, ounce, pound, feet, yard, acre, etc. The metric ssytem has only a few terms.

Three terms are basic to the metric system. These terms are meter, liter, and gram.

-- Meter is the term used for measurement. It is the same length as 1.093 yards.

-- Liter is the term used for capacity. A liter is equal to 1.05 U.S. quarts.

-- Gram is the measure of weight. a gram is 15.43 grains and a kilogram is the same weight as 2.204 pounds.

For larger measures add a prefix to the basic term. These prefixes are

deca = 10

kilo = 1000

hecto = 100

myria = 10,00

(Example: 1 decamter = 10 meters)

For smalelr numbers, use the prefixes:

deci = 1/10

cento = 1/100

milli = 1/1000

To measure cloth you would use meters. To measure mileage you would use kilometers. To measure the distance acrossa  lens or the size of film you would use centimeters.

Now let's see if you can reason out some terms. Which term would you use to buy gasoline?

Which term would you use if you needed milk for a recipe?

6-10 M-73

This public document was promulgated at an annual cost of $171.00, or 1.7 cents per copy to explain metric system to home makers.

Prepared by: Mary N. Harrison

Consumer Education

Specialist

COOPERATIVE EXTENSION WORK IN AGRICULTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS

(Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914)

Cooperative Extension Service, IFAS, University of Florida and United States Department of Agriculture, Cooperating Joe N. Busby, Dean.