Understanding the Evolution of the Meter

Understanding the Evolution of the Meter

Assessment

Interactive Video

Physics, Science, Geography, History

7th - 12th Grade

Hard

Created by

Lucas Foster

FREE Resource

The video explains the evolution of the meter as a unit of length. Initially defined by the French Academy of Sciences, the meter was based on Earth's dimensions. Over time, it was redefined using a platinum bar, then light wavelengths, and finally the speed of light. Each redefinition aimed to improve precision and universality. The current definition, established in 1983, is based on the distance light travels in a vacuum in a fraction of a second.

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10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was one of the early methods considered for defining the meter?

The distance from Paris to London

The height of the Eiffel Tower

The width of the English Channel

The length of a pendulum swing

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why was the pendulum method not suitable for defining the meter?

It was too time-consuming

It required advanced technology

Gravity varies across the Earth

It was too expensive to measure

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What material was used to create the Meter of the Archives?

Gold

Silver

Platinum

Iron

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the main reason for using a mix of platinum and iridium for the international prototype meter?

To make it more visually appealing

To increase its weight

To reduce production costs

To enhance stability and hardness

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the main issue with defining the meter using physical objects?

They were too expensive to produce

They could change over time

They were difficult to transport

They were not universally accepted

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Why did scientists consider using light to define the meter?

Light is a universal constant

Light is easier to measure

Light is more colorful

Light is cheaper to use

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Which element's light wavelength was used in the 1960 definition of the meter?

Helium

Neon

Krypton-86

Argon

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