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A new concept for defining a time segment that is essentially a mathematical constant will be introduced in a series of web pages. The process demonstrates how the earth planetary time segment can be defined by the ratio of the hypotenuses of two right triangles, as well as the time segment of any other planetary body. The first web page will identify the geometric-mathematical formulation for what will be called the "Natural Time Base", and subsequent web pages will display specific calculations as to how the time base may be applied. The primary advantage is that a "unit of time" can be defined mathematically independent of conventional measurement systems, but easily translated thereto.
It is not precisely known when the second, the time segment identified by the division of one rotation of the earth into 86,400 segments, was first introduced, but there is evidence it came from Babylonian mathematics. Currently the precise duration of an earth second is identified by astronomical methods, at least a half-dozen different definitions, and atomic clocks. A U.S. Navy webpage provides an overview of various time systems used on earth. The earth is not the center of the universe but the earth second is used to measure everything in the universe. Although the earth second we are familiar with is now based upon an atomic characteristic that is a constant, its numerical multiple had to be defined to provide a close fit to 1/86,400th of an earth rotation. The time unit definition herein has the characteristics of a mathematical constant and the related earth value is based upon a mathematical ratio to this constant. The techniques in providing time measurement do not change whether it be by astronomical, mechanical or electronic means, but now there can be a really standard reference for a "unit of time" that is mathematically derived as a clock-independent value, rather than an emulation to a particular planet's rotation characteristics.
Readers must be familiar with a few definitions that present concepts on our current understanding of the physical universe. If you do not have a background in basic physics it is recommended that you take advantage of the information presented at innumerable websites, one such being "www.physicsclassroom.com" which presents the characteristics of a wave, in particular that provided by Lesson 2. A quote from the preceding website is pertinent. "Waves are everywhere in nature. Our understanding of the physical world is not complete until we understand the nature, properties and behaviors of waves."
All waves have the same basic characteristics, but for electromagnetic waves the speed or velocity is the speed of light. The wavelength equation, λ=c/f, represents the relationship between the speed of light "c", wavelength "λ" and frequency "f". By using the known relationships presented by this equation a simple methodology is used to identify a basic time segment, essentially a "Natural Time Base".
The current base units as defined by System International (SI) utilize a clock dependent operational definition for distance, i.e., the second is defined first, the meter next, and with the speed of light defined in relationship to the meter. The web pages cited below present a number of ways to present the concept introduced by the above web pages. They have been prepared over a number of years and represented a variety of ways to introduce the clock independent method of defining a set of base units that would be better suited for scientific use than the current SI units.
Comments?
The concept for the new technique for
defining time is being distributed to individuals in various
private and government organizations for review and comment.
Copyright 2002 © F. Makinson, All rights
reserved.