Radiolab Less Than Kilogram
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Nov 29, 2024 Dive into the captivating journey of the kilogram, once revered as the gold standard for mass measurement. Discover its rich history from ancient methods to modern innovations and the challenges of maintaining a reliable standard. Unravel the mystery of its surprising weight loss over time and how technology has redefined it using the Planck constant. Plus, explore fascinating insights into metabolism through breath analysis, offering personalized nutrition plans. It's a blend of science, history, and teamwork that reshapes our understanding of mass.
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The Hangry Revolution
- During the 1780s famine in France, bakers subtly reduced the size of bread loaves due to a lack of standardized weights.
- This fueled public outrage and became a key factor leading up to the French Revolution.
Nature's Authority
- The French revolutionaries aimed to establish a new standard of measurement based on nature's authority, not arbitrary decrees.
- This led to the creation of the meter, derived from the Earth's circumference, and subsequently, the kilogram.
Kilogram Hierarchy
- The official kilogram, Le Grand K, is meticulously protected and rarely handled.
- Copies and sub-copies are used for calibrations, creating a chain of traceability for weight measurements worldwide.