(Image source: Reproduction / Wikipedia)

A group of scientists from the University of Newcastle, England, found that the platinum and iridium cylinder used as standard for measuring one kilogram is getting heavier. According to a report published by the institution, the researchers conducted analyzes on surfaces similar to those of the standard block to determine how decades of contaminant buildup may be changing the weight of the cylinder.

The standard block - also known as the International Kilogram Prototype - was created in 1875 to standardize the measurement. A few years later 40 replicas were produced so that from then on a kilogram could be measured in exactly the same way around the world.

Heavier kilogram

After performing a spectroscopic analysis of a cylinder similar to the original, the researchers found that airborne contaminants - resulting from the industrialization process and progress of modern life - caused substances to accumulate on the surface of the block, making it several micrograms more. heavier than when it was created.

This also means that replicas, which are distributed in many countries, are also undergoing weight changes - at different speeds and intensities - becoming increasingly different from the original cylinder. As the researchers explained, while the difference "several micrograms" seems to be negligible, the truth is that this variation can have very heavy consequences.

(Image source: Reproduction / Wikipedia)

Just think of the international trade in overvalued substances or how a single microgram could affect the work of chemists and other scientists, for example. But luckily, scientists have also figured out how to get the cylinder to "lose weight" again.

Diet

The researchers say that there are very simple methods to eliminate the buildup of contaminants, such as subjecting the cylinder surface to a certain type of light, which mixes ozone and ultraviolet rays. However, although the study is interesting, it is worth remembering that the researchers did not use the original cylinder to obtain the results.

In fact, the standard prototype - found in France - undergoes periodic cleaning that results in the loss of a few micrograms with each procedure. On the other hand, who knows what method scientists have indicated to eliminate the accumulation of contaminants cannot be adopted so that the original block always remains at the exact weight?