Michelle Starr — Tomorrow The Definition of The Kilogram Will Change Forever. Here's What That Really Means

This is a big deal even though it won't be noticed by most people. However, precise measurement essential to science and measurement involves application of metrics defined by criteria. The units and their criteria are arbitrary. There was no such thing as a kilogram prior to the development and introduction of the metric system. Same with other measurement systems. The "trick" is to establish a constant criterion in a relative universe. That is as close to an absolute as human can construct. This post explains how the issue has been approached in physics.

Of course, a great deal more precision can be arrived at through physics than other science, which strive to use the measurements developed by physics in so far as possible, but physical measurement is applicable only to quantity. Measuring quality presents greater challenges. So do psychological "dimensions."

Science Alert
Tomorrow The Definition of The Kilogram Will Change Forever. Here's What That Really Means
Michelle Starr