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Friday, March 6, 2009- Visited the National Metrology Centre last week. It was fun and enriching. Firstly, I never thought that the centre had so many laboratories and staff. We learnt how the SI units were obtained. I was fascinated by the set-ups that measured the temperature of the water, the lasers and all the sophisticated equipment used by the scientists. These machines measure temperature, speed of light, time and weight, etc. It was so advanced that I thought I could only see them in the movies. It was truly an eye opener!
In one of the labs, we saw the actual prototype of 5kg and 1kg.( We were not allowed to touch it in case we disturbed the readings). A machine would measure any changes in the weight and the reasons identified. The place had to be so clean that we had to cover our shoes with 'plastic covers'. Each year the scientists will visit their counterparts in Paris and elsewhere to compare results.
The next lab we visited was one which measures the speed of light. The machines used lasers and were very complicated. Mirrors were used to reflect the laser beam and Iodine cells are then used to direct the lasers to the exact spot. The speed of light was then measured. Somehow the results are more accurate this way.
The temperature lab was equally exciting. There were tanks of water, heaters and freezers. Different substances were either heated or cooled before being measured. We were shown the water bath as well. An iron block was used to stabilised the temperature of the water. A very accurate platinum thermometer was used. There was a demonstration of how pure ice was made. It was initially white before turning more and more translucent as water was added. This was my favourite lab as I enjoyed the experiments and set-ups.
At the time lab we saw the atomic clock and were given an explanation of how it works. Overall I find the trip a refreshing change, something you don't usually see in your everyday life. I'm quite sure there are more places I haven't seen or experience yet and I can't wait for the next opportunity!
`updated on- 8:38 PM
