platiniridiummåttstav

Platiniridiummåttstav, meaning platinum-iridium meter bar in Swedish, refers to a specific type of historical metrological standard. These bars were meticulously crafted from an alloy of platinum and iridium, chosen for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and thermal expansion. The precise composition, typically 90% platinum and 10% iridium, was crucial for maintaining dimensional stability over time and under varying environmental conditions.

The purpose of a platiniridiummåttstav was to serve as a physical realization of the meter. Scientists and metrologists would use these bars to calibrate measuring instruments and to establish precise lengths for scientific experiments. The distance between two specific marks etched onto the bar, under defined conditions of temperature and pressure, represented the standard meter.

These standards played a significant role in the early days of the metric system, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While highly accurate for their time, they have largely been superseded by more modern definitions of the meter based on the speed of light. However, the historical significance of platiniridiummåttstavs lies in their contribution to the development and dissemination of a universal system of measurement. They represent a tangible link to the scientific endeavors that shaped our understanding of length and metrology.