2025 SMSI Bannerklein

D3.4 Difficulties in Understanding and Teaching the Definition of the Kilogram in the Revised SI

Event
SMSI 2020
-
(did not take place because of Covid-19 virus pandemic)
Band
SMSI 2020 - Measurement Science
Chapter
D3 Novel Measurement Approaches & Measurement Uncertainty
Author(s)
J. Valdés - Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Pages
281 - 282
DOI
10.5162/SMSI2020/D3.4
ISBN
978-3-9819376-2-6
Price
free

Abstract

Different options were discussed before reaching the final agreement on the new definitions of the SI units, especially with regard to the kilogram. A definition of the kg based on a mass, such as an atom or the electron, would have been preferable for ease of understanding, among other reasons. In this paper we will discuss some educational experiences on ways to teach what is now a kilogram to dif-ferent audiences, including people that is rather unaware of the Planck constant.

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