Science ...Pedantry !...and the humble Kg
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Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Where I always have been...firmly in the real world
Posts: 64
Science ...Pedantry !...and the humble Kg
I think it's fair to say, that, this revelation isn't going to become one of the most discussed issues for about 99.99999% of the population, although clearly it's all the fault of the French for letting the original unit of measurement deteriorate, so that could be a reason I suppose.
Of course, this years "must have ! " Christmas gift has to be a set of Kibble scales......some on JB probably already have a set of course, or are constructing their own along with various concoctions the rest of us buy from a pharmacy, but there again, possibly not.
The problem is that the unit in question is the Kg and, being British, such foreign units are never welcome....just more damned foreign intrusion !...and it won't be long before we can revert to any and all of the list below. And yes, I know, some are still in use.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_units
There again, it's also possible, what with fuel loads being calculated using this measurement, crews and engineers have been knowingly endangering passengers lives by under fuelling !.....now there's a potential headline for certain rags to entice their readers with. ...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46143399
Of course, this years "must have ! " Christmas gift has to be a set of Kibble scales......some on JB probably already have a set of course, or are constructing their own along with various concoctions the rest of us buy from a pharmacy, but there again, possibly not.
The problem is that the unit in question is the Kg and, being British, such foreign units are never welcome....just more damned foreign intrusion !...and it won't be long before we can revert to any and all of the list below. And yes, I know, some are still in use.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_units
There again, it's also possible, what with fuel loads being calculated using this measurement, crews and engineers have been knowingly endangering passengers lives by under fuelling !.....now there's a potential headline for certain rags to entice their readers with. ...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46143399
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Malvern, UK
Posts: 408
Originally Posted by oldpax
Metric has been in use in the UK for years .Anyone converting to Imperial should be sacked.Metric much easier.Your not hoping for Pounds and shillings after Brexit are you!!!!
Last edited by Dont Hang Up; 16th Nov 2018 at 11:13. Reason: Respect for pedantry
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Midlands
Posts: 186
Being a retired metrologist and a pedant I must protest at the use of Kg - it is of course kg. The electric kilogram will be much better than the old mechanical one, until it gets hacked. There may be some unintended internatiol consequences brought about by Europe being on a 50Hz supply and the USA on 60Hz.
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Malvern, UK
Posts: 408
Originally Posted by Bazzo
...but the Kilogram is a unit of mass
A balance is okay for comparing two masses. Even if used in places where gravity is different the balance will still work. However, the new proposal for the kg definition is suggesting balancing a mass against a very precise electrical force. To me this means it will be dependent upon gravity at the place of measurement. And gravity is far from a constant over the surface of the Earth.
I am sure this has been considered. But it is not explained in the article.
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Malvern, UK
Posts: 408
...what is also not clear is that current is normally measured using the Amp. This is a unit that is a derivative of the kg. That would make the new definition of the kg a circular argument!
Clearly they have found a way to define current independently in terms of the fundamental Plank's Constant. That is in fact the most crucial step. However, I think the article rather skims over the point.
Clearly they have found a way to define current independently in terms of the fundamental Plank's Constant. That is in fact the most crucial step. However, I think the article rather skims over the point.
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Brum
Posts: 742
Originally Posted by dook
What is a metrologist ?
Metrologists perform metrology work involving precision measurement and comparison of physical quantities such as mass, length, time, force, speed, voltage and current. They calibrate precision equipment which measures these physical units. They may also certify that outside standards of such quantities as mass and volume are correct. Congress has authorized the National Institute of Standards and Technology to set the standards of all physical quantities in the United States. The NIST was formerly called the National Bureau of Standards. Highly skilled metrologists are essential to the work of NIST.
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Join Date: Jul 2003
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Originally Posted by dook
What is a metrologist ?
" quelqu'un qui travaille dans le métro parisien ".....
Or, somebody daft enough to read the UK rag of the same name.
"KnC, have you ever heard of 'The Plain English Campaign ? ".......yep,..... bollocks plain enough for you ?
Last edited by Krystal n chips; 16th Nov 2018 at 15:23.
