Chapter 18

The Disappearing Spoon Chapter 18

Summary

     In this Chapter, the NIST and BIPM, two bureaus that focus on being as precise with all measurements as possible. One of the most important of all measurement tools, the kilogram. The International Prototype kilogram was a cylinder that weighed exactly one kilogram and scientists went to absolutely ridiculous measures to keep it this way. However, when it started to shrink mysteriously, they gave up this method. 
     The scientists started to use an atomic clock in order to calculate the absolute most precise measurements of time that they possibly can. Because alpha is something measurable, scientists, of course, found the exact measurement. Then came the data from Oklo, a site in Africa where the only known fission reactor exists. Based on research done, some scientists guess that alpha is slowly getting bigger and in return, there was a variation in data. This inconstant, if true, means that the big bang theory would be impossible. Then Australian ideas are introduced with quasars and this somehow led to the theory of a fundamental constant changing. 

Reflection

     What is interesting about this is that it talked about an atomic clock which can tell precise time. Such a device could be useful to determine the actual time for a reaction to occur without the use of rounding numbers. Then there is the use of alphas, constants, and pi which is confused me at first but understood it as I read more about it. 

Guideline Questions

1. To minimize the surface area exposed to dirty air.

2. It's an extremely accurate type of clock that is regulated by the vibrations of an atomic or molecular system such as cesium or ammonia. And because cesium has one electron in the outer shell.

3.It is susceptible to change.

4. It is possible for alpha to change because unlike Pi, alpha can have values multiplied by different powers. 

5. I think that it is important to have an exact second because it would allow chemists to tell the Exact time of a chemical reaction and help physicists with formulas like how old the universe is.  

6. It's a big deal because it can lead to miscalculations and lead to other catastrophes in science. 

7. What it means for something to be a paradox is knowing a situation or statement to be true even though it seems absurd.