Slashdot Mirror
Kilogram Conflict Resolved At Last (nature.com)
An anonymous reader writes: As the capabilities of science and engineering expand, they rely more on the precision of measurements. It's vitally important, then, to make sure the standard units underpinning those measurements don't change. This is a problem for the kilogram. For years, it has remained the only SI unit based on a physical object — a small cylinder of platinum and iridium. Scientists have been arguing about how to replace it for decades, but now it looks like their efforts are finally reaching fruition. They finally have all the data they need to define the kilogram with mathematical constants, which solves the problem of the variability of physical objects. "One method, pioneered by an international team known as the Avogadro Project, involves counting the atoms in two silicon-28 spheres that each weigh the same as the reference kilogram. This allows them to calculate a value for Avogadro's constant, which the researchers convert into a value for Planck's constant. Another method uses a device called a watt balance to produce a value for Planck's constant by weighing a test mass calibrated according to the reference kilogram against an eletromagnetic force." Further research has narrowed down the value of Planck's constant, and experimental data from standards bodies is finally matching up. "If they are proved right, in 2018, Le Grand K will join the meter as a museum piece."
I'm sorry.
The metric zealots get mad at me for pointing out the points of weakness of the metric system. Here is one I forgot about. Their length unit is based on a physical cylinder of metal. Although it makes sense, since the original design spec apparently was "Make it a little longer than a yard, just to piss of those English bastards."
If you think I voted for Trump because of this post, you're wrong. I voted for Dr. Jill Stein of the Green Party. Again.
Giggity giggity...
I thought the title read: "Klingon Conflict Resolved At Last"
Keep it rolling...
The pro-imperial argument neatly summarised. Thank you kindly.
Sixty octillion one hundred ninety-five septillion three hundred sixty-eight sextillion five hundred forty-one quintillion four hundred seventy-four quadrillion six hundred seventy-three trillion eight hundred twenty-two billion six hundred thirty-one million nine hundred forty-five thousand two hundred ninety-one, sixty octillion one hundred ninety-five septillion three hundred sixty-eight sextillion five hundred forty-one quintillion four hundred seventy-four quadrillion six hundred seventy-three trillion eight hundred twenty-two billion six hundred thirty-one million nine hundred forty-five thousand two hundred ninety-two... shit I lost count.
We in the US cannot accept this as settled until we have a way to calibrate our scales based on something that is physical. It is all fine to babble about Silicon atoms and Avocados and the like, but we need something to put onto a balance scale for calibration. I've seen avocados and they aren't constant. And Silicon gets smaller every year - why, they were recently saying that chips are going to 9 nano-whatevers or some such.