Franklin (Fr) or Statcoulomb: A Historic Unit of Charge | changeunit.com
The franklin (Fr) is a unit of electric charge that is equal to one statcoulomb (statC). It is an older, non-SI unit that belongs to the CGS (centimeter-gram-second) electrostatic system (ESU). The unit is named after Benjamin Franklin, the famous American scientist and founding father known for his pioneering experiments with electricity, including his famous kite experiment. Today, the franklin is considered an obsolete unit, having been replaced by the modern SI unit of charge, the coulomb (C).
The Franklin's Historical Definition
The franklin's definition is directly tied to Coulomb's Law of electrostatics. One franklin (or statcoulomb) is defined as the amount of charge that, when placed one centimeter (cm) away from an equal charge in a vacuum, will experience a repulsive force of one dyne. This definition highlights the unit's direct link to the centimeter-gram-second system of measurement.
Why the Franklin is Obsolete Today
Despite its historical significance, the franklin is no longer used in most scientific and engineering contexts. The modern SI system, based on the meter-kilogram-second (MKS) system, is now the international standard. It offers a more coherent and unified approach to electromagnetism, where all electrical units are derived from the ampere. The franklin's value is very small compared to a coulomb, making it impractical for modern power systems and electronics. The conversion factor is directly related to the speed of light.
Franklin (Fr) Conversion Table
While obsolete, the franklin can still be found in older academic papers, textbooks, and niche fields. For those needing to convert between this historical unit and modern ones, changeunit.com provides the necessary tools. Here is a helpful reference table showing the relationships between Fr and other common charge units:
| Unit | Symbol | Conversion Factor to Franklin (Fr) |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin (Statcoulomb) | Fr (statC) | 1 Fr |
| Coulomb | C | 1 C ≈ 2.9979 x 109 Fr |
| Microcoulomb | µC | 1 µC ≈ 2,997.9 Fr |
| Abcoulomb | abC | 1 abC ≈ 2.9979 x 1010 Fr |
| Elementary Charge | e | 1 e ≈ 4.803 x 10-10 Fr |
The franklin serves as a fascinating reminder of the evolution of scientific units. While it is no longer the standard, its history is a testament to the pioneers who shaped our understanding of electricity. Use changeunit.com to explore the franklin and many other units. ⚡️