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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."

4 of 844 comments (clear)

  1. What? by Noose+For+A+Neck · · Score: 0, Troll

    There is no mass component in pressure. It is force over area - no mass involved.

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  2. Re:Hmm... by iamlucky13 · · Score: 0, Troll

    Presumably this method would take into account somehow the actual gravitational force, since it varies pretty significantly depending on where you are?

  3. Just leave the RCH alone by GomezAdams · · Score: 0, Troll

    First the kilogram then who knows where next. You can dick around with the gram if you like but leave that most hallowed of engineering terms alone.

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  4. international team of scientists by riqnevala · · Score: 0, Troll

    They are getting too big a salary for the nonsense they are arguing about. How about developing non-polluting energy-sources instead? How about flying cars?

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