Chapter 18:Tools of Ridiculous Precision

1. Why is the official kilogram in Paris made of mostly Platinum?

This is in order to minimize the surface area exposed to dirty air.

2. What is an atomic clock and how does it work? Why is cesium the ideal element for these clocks?

It has one electron on the outer shell.

3. What is significant about the constant alpha?
It is susceptible to change.

4. Why is it impossible for a number like pi to change but apparently possible for other constants like alpha to change?

 I have no idea honestly.

5. We all can agree what something like a second or a mile is on a daily basis. Do you think that it's important that scientist have a extremely exact definition of a second? Why or why not?

I think that it is important to have an exact definition of a second because it is good to know.

6. Why is it such a big deal if a constant has changed a whopping .001 percent over 10 billion years?

ITS A HUGE DEAL. This can lead to miscalculations and practically anything.

7. What does it mean for something to be a paradox?

Something is a paradox when the conclusion seems senseless and confusing.