19 lines
1.6 KiB
Markdown
19 lines
1.6 KiB
Markdown
---
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obj: science/unit
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rev: 2024-02-08
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---
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# Meter
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The meter (symbol: m) is the SI base unit of length. It is widely used for measuring distances, dimensions, and quantities in various fields, including [physics](../Physics.md), engineering, construction, and everyday life. The meter provides a standardized and universally accepted way to quantify length.
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## History
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The meter has a long history, with its modern definition evolving over time. Originally, the meter was defined as one ten-millionth of the distance from the equator to the North Pole along a meridian passing through Paris. In 1983, the meter was redefined in terms of the speed of light in a vacuum, providing a more precise and universal definition.
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## Definition
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The meter is currently defined as the distance that light travels in a vacuum in $\frac{1}{299,792,458}$ seconds. This definition, based on the speed of light, ensures that the meter is consistent and reproducible across different measurement systems and technologies.
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## Practical Applications
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- **Measurement:** The meter is used for measuring distances, lengths, heights, widths, and other dimensions in various applications, from scientific research to everyday activities.
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- **Construction:** In construction and civil engineering, the meter is used for planning, designing, and building structures, roads, and infrastructure.
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- **Navigation:** The meter is essential for navigation and cartography, providing a standard unit for measuring distances on maps, charts, and GPS devices.
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- **Manufacturing:** In manufacturing and industry, the meter is used for specifying product dimensions, tolerances, and quality standards.
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