The Grind's Almost Over to Forge two Perfect balls

Reuters ^ | 6/14/07 | Rob Taylor

[r9etb]

But a cube would be even more exacting, since the volume of a cube is LxWxH, and since L, W, and H can be rational numbers, you can have a volume that's a rational number. However, when you're dealing with something that's got a circular component, now you're adding an irrational number (pi) into the computation, and while the volume is going to be a finite number, it will still be irrational, and therefore somewhat less exact (on an infinitesimal level).

Cubes are not optimal for this. First off, the edges of the cube would be ragged. You'd get great deal of uncertainty.

Second, physical, solid cubes are not really cubes -- they deform under stress. (I had a professor derive this mathematically back in college -- I cannot recall the details.) So the volume computation would be a lot more complicated than you've laid out.

[r9etb]

Aside from its usefulness, it's a beautiful object.

[jrp]

Grow a pair

[Fishrrman]

The Grind's Almost Over to Forge two Perfect balls

When they're perfected, they ought to mass produce them and hand them out in pairs to just about all the Republican Senators and Congressmen down in D.C.! - John

[The SISU kid]

Where’s Bon Scott when we need him?

Indeed, (the ones that are held for pleasure are the ones that I like best......)

8^)

[null and void]

But a cube would be even more exacting, since the volume of a cube is LxWxH,

My first though as well.

BUT corners and edges chip. A sphere is far more mechanically robust.

[null and void]

Do you have her number???

[toast]

Clackers

[JRios1968]

[Kirkwood]

“A “perfect” sphere has only one factor, its radius.”

Actually, a sphere has not one, but rather it has innumerable sides, the exact number of which depends on the resolution of your measurement system. It is far more difficult to make a perfect sphere than it is to make a perfect cube or bar because of the difficulty in measuring and referencing the location of all points on a sphere. One can measure a flat-sided surface fairly easily because it is far easier to reference a flat surface than to reference a sphere. It is also easier to shape and polish a flat surface than to shape and polish a sphere.

[Dr.Zoidberg]

LOL! Did you write that?!

Yes, yes I did.

I hang my head in shame.

NOT! /evil grin

[N. Theknow]

The Grind's Almost Over to Forge two Perfect balls

If they are forged, will they be fake but accurate?

I know, I know. I should have asked before I posed as the model for them.

[Psalm 73]

"Making them spherical gives them a predictable volume. Since they know the isotope used and its density, knowing the exact volume tells you the exact mass of the sphere."

Yes, but:
"...with imperfections of less than 35 millionths of a millimeter."...it is NOT perfect. Close to perfect, but not exactly.
(God must be getting a good chuckle out of this endeavor!)

[buckleyfan]

Why didn’t they just call me?

[Syncro]

Front Side


Other side

[anymouse]

Oh, I thought they said near-perfect silicone spheres. ;)

Never mind.

[theFIRMbss]

>The Grind's Almost Over to Forge two Perfect balls

Kournikova: New balls please

[Drew68]

OK, for the confused:

Thank you.

And on a related note, I really wish the US would have adopted the metric system. Seriously! It just makes sense.

[Danae]

Can we use those as a Standard of Measurement for GOP candidates in 08? “Here are two perfect balls, of silicon, how do YOUR balls measure up?”

Can we?? Hua? Please?

[ApplegateRanch]

and, because they are made from a stable element, they will not fall victim to moisture, corrosion and contamination like the current kilogram standard

YES!

Silicon is stable, unlike Noble Metals, and doesn't oxidize---that is why I always have to dump a truck load of SiO^2 outta my shorts & shoes whenever I go to the beach.

Silicon is stable, unlike Noble Metals, and doesn't oxidize--that is why I have a collection of agates, agatized fossil shells, & petrified wood, formed when SOLUTIONS of SiO^2 invaded....

Won't mention all the other various classes of silicates, except to say we would be missing an enormous amount of our rocks & soils without them.

I blame the reporter/editor, not the scientists; and I expect these to be kept in controlled conditions i.e. relatively normal temperatures, humidities, pressures, & atmosphere, that precludes reaction.