Re: Spacing in \unit

[Max Chernoff via ntg-context <ntg-context@ntg.nl>]

Hi Alan,

> I would very strongly argue that the space between the number and the
> following units be UNBREAKABLE. Perhaps a thin space (preference), but
> most certainly non-breakable.
> 
> Similarly around the times in scientific notation.
> 
> I further cannot imagine that a line break be acceptable around a \cdot
> in composite units.
> 
> This can possibly lead to overfill and underfill, something that I find
> *infinitely* more acceptable then breaking numbers and units.

Yes, I agree completely here.

> I do not know or use the \units command. Maybe it uses unbreakable
> spaces, maybe not. I would never use it unless it could be configured
> to only use nonbreakable spaces. 

The current behaviour doesn't break the unit from the number, but it
does split the scientific notation.

This test file:

   \starttext
   \hsize=0pt Math: $G = \unit{6.6743e-11 m3 kg-1 s-2}$
   
   \hsize=0pt Text: \unit{6.6743e-11 m3 kg-1 s-2}
   \stoptext
   
gives:

   Math:
   𝐺=
   6.6743×
   10–11m3⋅kg–1⋅s–2
   Text:
   6.6743
   ×
   10−11 m3⋅kg−1⋅s−2
   
which isn't great. In my opinion, the \unit command should be typeset in an
\hbox (or similar) since I can't think of any circumstances where breaking
it would be reasonable.

Thanks,
-- Max
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