Russian scientists have created a new standard kilogram

Russian scientists have created a new standard kilogram. The former, made in the XIX century, is rapidly losing weight. Although the deviation is measured in thousandths of a gram, for the specialists, this situation is unacceptable.

In scientific research Institute of Metrology named after Mendeleev came up with a way out of the situation: produced silicon balloon, to calculate the unit weight will be according to the number of silicon atoms.

The standard kilogram No. 12 kept in the safe. The national standard kilogram, which has not changed since 1892, even in a glass flask are transferred exclusively to lint-free gloves. The mass of the standard remained unchanged, from an old box without the need trying to get.

For 125 years Russian standard "has lost" to 40 micrograms, however, it is still 100 micrograms heavier than the global sample, which is kept near Paris. The difference I plan to reduce to zero, taking the national standard kilogram - sphere. It was made of silicon 2 years, atom, older stupidly polished, and now accuracy. To measure the mass of the sphere, the Institute of Metrology has established a new comparator - modern electronic installation, which creates almost ideal conditions for calculations.

Accuracy is achieved through the vacuum and duration calculations: the comparator measures the mass of a reference or copies for at least 6 hours. Such installations around the world just a few. An exact measure of a kilogram needs to industrial enterprises. For example, the shipment of coal, a seemingly tiny error - the scale of the train is converted to tonnes. A new standard mass will allow you to correct this mistake.

sections: Society