From Simple To Quantum: The Meter's Identity Crisis

From Simple To Quantum: The Meter's Identity Crisis
si-units-memes, metrology-memes, physics-memes, measurement-memes, krypton-memes | ScienceHumor.io

Top panel: "Oh cool, a meter is just a meter!"

Bottom panel: *Brain explodes* The meter went from "simple unit of length" to "exactly 1,650,763.73 wavelengths of krypton-86 radiation" faster than light travels in 1/299,792,458 second! This is the perfect representation of that moment in physics class when you realize even the most basic measurements are actually defined by mind-bending quantum phenomena. The definition has evolved from a metal bar in France to atomic transitions to light speed calculations. Measurement standards committee really said "let's make this UNNECESSARILY precise!"

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