A Knowledge Unit (KU) is the fundamental building block of NanoCERN. Unlike a “fact” in a database, a KU is a mathematical contract that binds an invariant law to its specific conditions of validity.
The KU Structure
Every KU is encapsulated in a strict JSON schema to ensure 100% determinism:
“`json
{
“id”: “KU-ID”,
“domain”: “physics|medicine|math”,
“invariant”: “The Law (Equation/Principle)”,
“applies_if”: {
“variable operator”: threshold
},
“failure_modes”: [“Mode A”, “Mode B”],
“metadata”: {}
}
“`
Core Fields
1. The Invariant
The “Soul” of the KU. This is the core law or relationship that remains stable within its envelope.
- Physics Example: `V = I * R` (Ohm’s Law)
- Medical Example: `Dose <= 4000mg` (Paracetamol safety)
2. The Applicability Envelope (`applies_if`)
This is the “Body” of the KU. It defines the exact boundaries where the invariant is true.
- If a state variable (e.g., Temperature, Power, or Patient Weight) exits this envelope, the KU is Structurally Rejected.
- Without an envelope, a KU has “Infinite Admissible Entropy”—it is over-generalized and unsafe.
3. Failure Modes
A descriptive list of what physically happens when the envelope is violated. For Ohm’s Law, this might be `thermal_runaway` or `skin_effect`.
Key Properties
- Atomicity: Each KU represents a single, indivisible principle.
- Invariance: The relationship must hold globally within its specified envelope.
- Falsifiability: A KU can be proven “invalid for the current state” by the reactor, triggering an NKU discovery.
By encoding scientific knowledge into these atomic contracts, NanoCERN transforms a “library of text” into a “reactive engine of certainty.”
[Next: Negative Knowledge Units (NKUs) →](/nanocern-nku-definition/)