# Is it possible to use Gaussian cgs units in $Mathematica$ computations?

I was trying to do computations in Gaussian cgs units, and of course I failed due to dimensional issues. For instance, $q_1 q_2/r$ cannot be converted to $\mathrm{erg}$ since Gaussian system uses $4\pi \epsilon_0 = 1$.

So, the question is: Is it possible to use Gaussian cgs unit system in Mathematica computations? "Using Gaussian cgs unit system" means, for instance, $V_\mathrm{coulomb}=q_1 q_2/r$; no doubt that the units themselves can be called in whatever suitable situation.

Personally I think the answer is no, because the only unit systems listed in documentation of UnitConvert are "SIBase","SI","Imperial", and "Metric". But I am asking to get confirmation, and hopefully we can settle an answer to benefit future Google searches of this topic.

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Real physicists don't use units. ;-) –  Sjoerd C. de Vries Oct 26 '13 at 22:17
@SjoerdC.deVries Unfortunately I'm not a real physicist yet, so I can't comment on how real physicists work. What I do know is that I'm an undergrad math and physics student, who sometimes need units for numerical results. Even if I keep track of and leave out the units of my own data, the physical constants in Mathematica come with units (I guess real physicists remember the values of constants, but unfortunately I can't just yet). Another reason I found units useful is in detecting typos, as typos typically mess up the dimensions. –  4ae1e1 Oct 27 '13 at 3:42
@SjoerdC.deVries By the way, I'm not against your comment, since I actually think it's true. –  4ae1e1 Oct 27 '13 at 3:45