Explore the fundamental concepts of measurement and its significance in scientific endeavors in this 34-minute lecture from The Royal Institution. Delve into the International System of Units (SI) and learn about the upcoming changes to four key SI units, including mass and temperature. Discover how measurements are shifting from arbitrary standards to natural constants. Gain insights into various aspects of temperature measurement, from highly accurate thermometers to industrial sensors for harsh conditions. Examine the evolution of measurement systems, the importance of standardization, and the challenges in creating universal units. Understand the role of atomic clocks, the redefinition of the kilogram, and the impact of these changes on scientific progress. Conclude with a summary of how modern measurement techniques are revolutionizing our understanding of the world around us.
Overview
Syllabus
Intro
The origin of measurement
What is measurement
The system of measuring
How do we measure
We need copies
We can measure big distances
Submultiples
Measurements
Time
Speed
Units
My System of Units
No One Else Uses It
Other Weaknesses
Old System of Units
International System of Units
The kilogram
The International Prototype
The Kelvin
Measurement
Atomic clocks
Separate definition from realization
Modern lab
kilogram
electrical current
Kelvin
Summary
Taught by
The Royal Institution
