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Experts Suggest Replacing Definition of Kilogram

Posted by Zonk on from the still-won't-be-used-in-the-states dept.

fenimor writes "The kilogram is the only one of the seven basic units of the international measurement system defined by a physical artifact rather than a natural phenomenon. International team of scientists suggest replacing the kilogram artifact -- a cylinder of platinum-iridium alloy about the size of a plum --with a definition based on one of two unchanging natural phenomena, either a quantity of light or the mass of a fixed number of atoms. They propose to adopt either one of two definitions for the kilogram by selecting a specific value for either the Planck constant or the Avogadro number."

21 of 844 comments (clear)

  1. I suggest by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    They set it to 1000 grams.

    1. Re:I suggest by hawk · · Score: 4, Funny

      Either way, as long as we do it quickly, before it's too late.

      After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

      hawk

    2. Re:I suggest by lgw · · Score: 4, Funny

      The furlong-firkin-fortnight system is the one true system. All other systems are silly.

      Any fool can see what faction of an acre is a rectangle bounded by a furlong and a chain, or measure speed intuitively in millifurlongs per microfortnigt. This metric system is just unintuitive.

      I know just how many furlngs per firkin my car gets, what the heck is that in litres per meter?

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    3. Re:I suggest by Madcapjack · · Score: 5, Funny
      After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

      I'm sorry, I don't understand. Could you rephrase that in terms of Avagrado's number, please?

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    4. Re:I suggest by kamapuaa · · Score: 4, Funny
      We order a glass of beer, obviously. And depending on beer brand it is served in a typical size. The sizes are: 0.2l for Kölsch and Alt. noble.

      You buy beer by the .2L??? Germany is a nation of girly-men!

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  2. I wonder... by elid · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...if the change it, what would happen if they would auction off the cylinder on eBay?

    1. Re:I wonder... by grazzy · · Score: 4, Funny

      Educated guess: It'd be the most expensive thing the size of a "plum" made of platinum-iridium ever sold on eBay.

    2. Re:I wonder... by Anonymous+Cowpat · · Score: 5, Funny

      more importantly, what would they list it's shipping weight as?

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    3. Re:I wonder... by StarManta.Mini · · Score: 4, Funny

      2.2 pounds, of course. :)

    4. Re:I wonder... by iCEBaLM · · Score: 5, Funny

      The weight formerly known as kilogram.

  3. does this mean by zerkon · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm going to finally lose some weight?

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  4. Just wait. by jwcorder · · Score: 5, Funny

    The next thing you know they will be trying to get the US to switch from imperial units to the metric system....

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    1. Re:Just wait. by bobscealy · · Score: 5, Funny

      I have always found it intriguing that the US both celebrates the day of its independance from the British empire and continues to use old British units of measurement.

  5. that does it by WormholeFiend · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm going back to pounds and stones.

  6. And in other news... by rollingrock · · Score: 5, Funny

    Pi is exactly equal to 3!

    1. Re:And in other news... by Gabrill · · Score: 3, Funny

      No, only moderately large values of 3.

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      Always going forward, 'cause we can't find reverse.
    2. Re:And in other news... by Talez · · Score: 3, Funny

      <Frink> PI IS EXACTLY 3!
      *Gasp from scientific community and silence*
      <Frink> Sorry it had to come to that people.

  7. Obligatory Simpsons Metric Quote by shiafu · · Score: 5, Funny


    Lisa: Principal Skinner, how's your transportation project coming?

    Skinner: Not only are the trains now running on time, they're running on metric time! Remember this time people, 80 past 2 on April 47th. It's the dawn of a new enlightenment!

  8. Re:Redundant definition? by dont_think_twice · · Score: 4, Funny

    As far as what the NIST says, that is baloney

    I had been wondering if NIST was just pulling these so-called standards from their ass. I am glad you confirmed it. From now on, a kilo is the amount of coke a mexican hooker can snort in one week. Or course, that is under STP.

  9. By the way by iced_773 · · Score: 5, Funny

    How many Avogadroes are in guaca-mole?

    I guess 6.02x10^23...

  10. Re:Redundant definition? by Alsee · · Score: 3, Funny

    Or course, that is under STP

    Won't work, your refference subject is going to be far higher than sea level.

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