The Disappearing Spoon Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Tools of Ridiculous Precision
Summary:
In chapter 18, Kean first starts by explaining how the NIST and the BIPM are really precise with all the measurements because measurements are significant. The author then transitions into talking about specifically the kilogram. The International Prototype Kilogram weighs exactly one kilogram and it is two- inch platinum cylinder. The scientists desired for it to remain this way, so they were really protective over it. However, keeping it this way is quite a challenge.


Kean then continues by mentioning a metal rod that is found in Paris and measure one meter. Light is able to travel into a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second. The official measurement of time, cesium atomic clocks, is also talked about. These atomic clocks benefitted us because it helped us stop using the constellation to tell time. Then the author continues by elaborating how the alpha was 1/136 and how the measurements then changed to 1/137.0359.

Reflection:
I actually enjoyed reading this chapter because it was interesting to know about NIST and BIPM. I find it funny how they tried to be as precise as possible no  matter what. I was amazed at how precise they aim to be like when they changed the measurement of alpha just because it was off by a little. I never know how measurements can be beyond significant to some people like the people at NIST and BIPM. i found it interesting how we moved away from using constellations to tell time.

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