German scientists set out to redefine the kilogramme

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

BERLIN (AFP) — If you have ever hoped the bathroom scales were wrong, a German research project could soon bring good news -- or bad -- as it sets out to provide a more accurate measure of the kilogramme.

Researchers at the German National Metrology Institute in Braunschweig said they will use a 10-centimetre (four-inch) diameter pure silicon sphere to establish a better standard measurement than the existing one.

Currently, a kilogramme is defined as the mass of a platinum-alloy cylinder that is stored in a heavily guarded vault outside Paris but which is slowly losing weight and therefore becoming less reliable.

The new silicon sphere is very special indeed and cost two million euros (3.2 million dollars) to make.

Manufactured over five years in...