While it might sound like a specialized term from a sci-fi novel, the abohm is a very real—though now dated—unit that once played a key role in how we measured the world. What Exactly is an Abohm? The abohm (
) is a unit of electrical resistance used in the system of units, specifically the electromagnetic version. In terms of scale, an abohm is incredibly small: 1 abohm = 10-910 to the negative 9 power ohms (or one billionth of an ohm). While it might sound like a specialized term
Technically, a conductor has a resistance of one abohm if a current of one flowing through it produces a potential difference of one abvolt across its ends. A Quick History Lesson In terms of scale, an abohm is incredibly
The Ghost in the Circuit: A Look at the Abohm If you’ve spent any time looking at electrical units, you’re probably familiar with the , the standard unit of electrical resistance. But hidden in the attic of scientific history is its tiny, nearly forgotten ancestor: the abohm . But hidden in the attic of scientific history
This is exactly equivalent to in the modern SI system.
With the rise of the , specialized units like the abohm became obsolete. Modern standards, such as those from the IEEE and Merriam-Webster , typically label it as "dated" or recommend using the standard ohm instead. How to Convert It
Back then, scientists were trying to create a coherent system of measurements based on basic physical properties like mass, length, and time. While the abohm was mathematically "pure" within that system, it was far too small for practical use in everyday engineering. This led to the adoption of the as a more practical unit for real-world applications. Is It Still Used? In short: not really .