3 ms·
There is another competing proposal for solution that the article does not mention. It is define kilo as a specific number of Silicon-28 atoms, that have a well
by speeder 13y ago
There is another competing proposal for solution that the article does not mention. It is define kilo as a specific number of Silicon-28 atoms, that have a well known mass. The laboratory with that proposal made the most perfect sphere ever, in attempt to allow measurements.
- ArikBe 13y ago^This. It's well explained in this YT video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMByI4s-D-Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMByI4s-D-Y
- Osmium 13y agoA side-benefit of this project (The Avogadro Project) is that there are a load of interesting things you can do with almost-pure Silicon-28, e.g. see http://www.nist.gov/pml/div684/enriched-silicon-project.cfm http://www.nist.gov/pml/div684/enriched-silicon-project.cfm (and more besides: there was a really interesting paper I saw recently which irritatingly I can't find now)
- philsnow 13y agoThat is really cool ... is that _aluminum foil_ wrapped around a hose in one of the pictures ? I wrapped an unshielded 12 foot vga cable in aluminum foil once and it greatly (subjectively) improved the video quality.
- nraynaud 13y agoI completely agree, It's time to start counting atoms/molecules of something (being careful with isotopes). Integer numbers are very good for "perfect" (well, very good) abstract definitions. And it would also really prolong the French Revolution spirit in the sense that this unit would become so universal that you don't need a physical reference anymore, like what we could achieve with the other base units (like second then meter).