Today, Explained How to kill a gram
May 20, 2019
This podcast features Brian Resnick, a Vox science writer, and Linda Anderman, an author specializing in the metric system's history. They dive into the monumental shift in the kilogram's definition, moving from a physical object to a universal constant, the Planck constant. The conversation reveals fascinating insights into the chaotic world of measurement. They also discuss America's reluctance to adopt the metric system, highlighting its real-life implications in healthcare and safety. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how measurement shapes our lives.
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Kilogram Redefined
- The kilogram is being redefined, shifting from a physical object to a fundamental constant.
- This change makes the kilogram more stable and accessible worldwide.
Visiting NIST
- Brian Resnick visited the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to understand the redefinition.
- He saw the U.S. copy of the original kilogram, stored under strict conditions.
The Kibble Balance
- The Kibble balance, a complex machine, links the kilogram to the Planck constant.
- This is similar to how the meter is defined by the speed of light.