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Metrology is perhaps the most accurate of all exact sciences. It is about measurements. Her data is generally accepted and undeniable. All spheres of human life related to measures and weights depend on this: from trade to the protection of nature.
Metrology is divided into theoretical, applied and legislative. The first is engaged in fundamental research and the development of new measurement methods. The second is concerned with their practical application. And the third is about the rules and regulations that provide the same measurement system for all countries.
When is Metrology Day celebrated in Our Country and in the world in 2023
World Metrology Day 2023 is celebrated 20 May. This date is fixed for the holiday and does not change from year to year. It is not a day off.
history of the holiday
On May 20, 1875, the Metric Convention was signed in Paris. This is the first international treaty that established the unity of measurement systems in different countries. Then it was approved by 17 states, which included Our Country. Then the number of participants increased to 50.
Based on this Convention, the International Organization of Weights and Measures was created, whose results are used by all states. By the way, the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences contributed to its creation. The organization itself is located in France.
Holiday traditions
Metrology Day 2023 in Our Country will traditionally celebrate the contribution of specialists in this industry. The most outstanding figures will be awarded certificates of honor.
The modern Metrological Service of the Federation is a large network of research institutes and testing laboratories. Our Country is the second country in the world in terms of the arsenal of technologies used in metrology. This is important for maintaining a leading position, for example, in the space industry.
Before May 20, a representative of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures will make an appeal. He will talk about the most important topical issues that metrologists can help to solve.
Every year a new theme is chosen for the holiday. For example: “Olympic Games do not exist without measurements”, “International System of Units in constant development”, “Metrology for safety” and others.
Metrology Application Examples
We encounter them daily, even at home. Let’s say you decide to make a cake. The result will largely depend on the accuracy of following the recipe, in which all ingredients are indicated in grams. Not in pieces and pinches. Of course, in the kitchen a small mistake is not terrible. Just think, plus or minus a couple of grams of salt. But in areas such as pharmaceuticals, measurement accuracy is paramount.
Another example: the operation of navigation systems depends on the clarity of the definition of time values. In this case, we are talking about the safety of unmanned vehicles.
Revolution in metrology
In November 2018, at the General Conference on Weights and Measures in Paris, metrologists changed the world a bit. They abandoned the dependence of the measurement system on the so-called artifacts. For example, before the value of the kilogram was determined by the reference cylinder of platinum and iridium, which is stored in the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. But according to metrologists, the artifact is “at risk of uncontrolled change.” This same cylinder, it turns out, has lost 50 micrograms over a hundred years.
Metrologists adopted the new system and proposed to measure the kilogram through Planck’s constant (a German theoretical physicist). This is the basic constant of quantum theory, which does not exactly change with time. That is, a kilogram was associated with the amount of electromagnetic energy needed to balance an object of such a mass. And the same goes for other units of measurement.
How to become a metrologist
Those who want to connect their lives with the science of measurement should enter a university or technical school for the specialty “Metrology” or some related ones. As a rule, the diploma of graduates says “Engineer for standardization, metrology and certification.”
Those who already have other education can take distance courses. There are many of them on the Internet.
Interesting Facts
- In ancient times, when there was no science of metrology, body parts (palm, foot, elbow, finger), mule hair thickness, grain width were used as measures of length. Clay vessels were taken to measure the volume. Weight was determined in comparison with stones. Time is measured by the degree of the sun above the horizon.
- The first universal system of weights and measures appeared in ancient India in the II-IV millennium BC.
- For the first time, a meter was defined as one ten-millionth of one-fourth of the Paris meridian. The artifact was a platinum ruler.
- The unit of carat weight for gemstones is 200 mg. The story goes that the name comes from the seeds of the carob tree. They were exactly the same, so they were often used to weigh jewelry.