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Biot Conversion Table
This comprehensive biot conversion table shows how various units relate to the biot, a CGS unit of electric current. Use this reference for quick conversions between biot and other common current units.
| Conversion | To Unit | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Biot to amperes | Amperes | 10 |
| Biot to milliamperes | Milliamperes | 10000 |
| Biot to microamperes | Microamperes | 10000000 |
| Biot to abamperes | Abamperes | 1 |
This biot conversion reference table provides accurate conversion factors for both SI and CGS units. All values are based on internationally recognized standards for maximum precision in scientific and engineering applications.
What is a Biot?
The biot (symbol: Bi), also known as the abampere, is the unit of electric current in the centimetre–gram–second (CGS) system of units. It is named after the French physicist Jean-Baptiste Biot. One biot is defined as the constant current which, if maintained in two straight parallel conductors of infinite length, of negligible circular cross-section, and placed one centimetre apart in vacuum, would produce between these conductors a force equal to two dynes per centimetre of length.
In practice, the biot is a large unit of current, equivalent to exactly 10 amperes in the International System of Units (SI). Our biot conversion tool helps you easily convert between biot and other units like amperes and milliamperes.
What is the SI equivalent of Biot?
The biot is not an SI unit. It is part of the CGS system. The SI base unit for electric current is the ampere (A). The conversion between biot and ampere is exact:
- 1 Biot (Bi) = 10 Amperes (A)
- 1 Ampere (A) = 0.1 Biot (Bi)
Other conversions to SI derived units include:
- Milliampere (mA) = 1 Biot is 10,000 mA
- Microampere (µA) = 1 Biot is 10,000,000 µA
What are Biot Used For?
The biot (or abampere) is primarily used in physics and electrical engineering contexts that still rely on the CGS system of units, particularly in theoretical work related to electromagnetism. While the SI system (using amperes) is standard for most modern applications, the CGS system and its units like the biot simplify some equations in magnetism.
Physics Research
Used in theoretical electromagnetism where CGS units can simplify calculations by removing constants like the permeability of free space from equations.
Legacy Systems
May be encountered when working with older scientific literature, textbooks, or equipment specifications that predate the universal adoption of the SI system.
Astrophysics
Some areas of astrophysics and plasma physics occasionally use CGS units for convenience in specific theoretical models.
Educational Context
Studied to understand the historical development of electrical units and the relationship between the CGS and SI systems.
Etymology and History
The unit is named after Jean-Baptiste Biot (1774–1862), a French physicist, astronomer, and mathematician who was a pioneer in the study of electromagnetism. Along with Félix Savart, he discovered the Biot–Savart law, which describes the magnetic field generated by a constant electric current.
The biot, as the abampere, was a fundamental unit in the CGS-EMU (electromagnetic) system. This system was designed to simplify equations in electromagnetism. While the SI system, with the ampere as its base unit for current, has become the international standard, the biot remains a part of the CGS system's legacy and is important for understanding the historical context of electrical science.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a biot and an abampere?
There is no difference. "Biot" and "abampere" are two names for the same unit of electric current in the CGS system. Both are equal to 10 amperes. The name "biot" honors the physicist Jean-Baptiste Biot.
Why is the ampere used more than the biot?
The ampere is the base unit of electric current in the International System of Units (SI), which is the modern global standard for measurement. The SI system is generally considered more practical for a wider range of scientific and engineering applications. The biot belongs to the older CGS system, which is now used mainly in specific fields of theoretical physics.
How do I convert biot to amperes?
To convert biot to amperes, you multiply the value in biot by 10. For example, 5 biot is equal to 5 * 10 = 50 amperes. Our biot conversion calculator above can perform this conversion for you instantly.
Is the biot a large unit of current?
Yes, the biot is a relatively large unit of current for most practical applications. One biot is 10 amperes, which is more current than what is typically found in household wiring (usually rated for 15 or 20 amps). It is more common to see currents measured in amperes, milliamperes, or microamperes.
What is the CGS system?
The Centimetre–Gram–Second (CGS) system of units is a system of measurement that was widely used before the adoption of the SI system. It is based on the centimeter as the unit of length, the gram as the unit of mass, and the second as the unit of time. There are several variants of the CGS system, and the biot belongs to the electromagnetic (EMU) variant.
Can I convert very small or very large currents with this tool?
Yes, our biot converter handles a wide range of values with high precision. You can convert from biot to smaller units like microamperes or from larger currents back to biot. Our smart rounding feature ensures the results are accurate and easy to read.
Is your biot conversion tool free to use?
Yes, our biot conversion calculator is completely free and does not require any registration. You can perform unlimited conversions. We aim to make measurement conversion tools accessible to everyone, from students to professionals.