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by simcop2387 2774 days ago
Essentially this brings it one more step away from using another artifact for calibrating things. Instead this lets us define the kilogram against what we believe are universal constants, in this case properties about the electromagnetic force.

It's much simpler to understand looking at it with a watt balance, even though it's not going to be as precise or accurate as a kibble balance [1]. Basically now anyone with access to a kibble balance and the right set of numbers/information can make an exact 1kg object.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewQkE8t0xgQ

2 comments

Or potentially more usefully, ascertain an accurate measurement of how closely a given measuring device is to the target to calibrate it's use in actual measurements (outside of the expensive validation mechanisms).
I'm pretty sure a watt balance and a Kibble balance are the same thing. Regardless, that YouTube video is so good! I was just about to post the same link.