The unit of mass has been redefined to represent a fundamental constant of nature instead of the hunk of metal that was used for the past 130 years. The new definition is based on the Planck constant and went into force on May 20th, changing what the kilogram is, as well as several other related units in the metric system. The revamp throws away old standards that were based on a metal cylinder in a vault near Paris.

The Kilogram Unit Is Now Linked to the Planck Constant

Units are what allows scientists to make precise measurements of temperatures, weights, electric currents, and other quantities. Those are laid out in the International System of Units and are used around the globe. The kilogram, which is the basic unit of mass in the metric system, is now defined by the Planck constant. It has a value that is an immutable constant of nature and is the same everywhere in the universe. The change to the definition for a kilogram will not affect the normal life of people because the difference is impossible to notice without precise measurement instruments. This means that a kilogram of flour will still make the same number of cookies.

Scientists Are Looking at Optical Atomic Clocks to Redefine the Second

Other units that were redefined are the kelvin (temperature), the ampere, (electric current), and the Mole (amount of substance). Now that these changes have settled, scientists are looking to update the unit for time — the second. They will try to do that with the help of optical atomic clocks, which are more precise than the currently used cesium atomic clocks.

Cesium atoms absorb a certain frequency of light, and when its electromagnetic wave wiggles, the pendulum of the atomic clock moves, measuring the time that has passed. This sets one second at 9,192,631,770 oscillations of the light. The new optical atomic clocks will measure time differently and will be around 100 times better than cesium-based atomic clocks.

Leaving a child alone in a hot car can be incredibly dangerous. Thankfully, Tesla is currently working on a sensor to detect when this happens so that no children come to any harm during those warm summer days.

The Danger Of Hot Cars

There’s never any reason why a child should be left by themselves in a car. However, it happens semi-regularly, and it sometimes has fatal consequences. Even leaving a kid in their vehicle for just a few minutes can be a severe issue if it’s warm outside. The temperature can climb quite quickly inside a car – especially if it’s not in the shade – which can then lead to heatstroke. Over 50 children have lost their lives because of this in the last few years, which is why Tesla is now doing something about it.

Seeking Approval

According to Reuters, they’re currently in the process of getting approval to market a new motion-detection sensor. If given the go-ahead, their device could apparently reduce the likelihood of heatstroke, as well as improve airbag deployment and help prevent theft. They’re reportedly looking for permission because the sensors they intend on using work at higher powers than the Federal Communications Commission currently allows.

Experts In Safety

Tesla is no stranger to improving safety measures in vehicles. They already have a feature that helps lower the temperature in cars for when animals are left behind. They also have a mode that identifies suspicious activity through external cameras. This new sensor would fit in nicely with what they’ve already developed, and could potentially even help save lives. However, it wouldn’t make them the first company to stop kids from being left behind in cars, as the likes of Nissan have already developed such technology.

It’s not clear how or when these sensors would be utilized in Tesla’s cars. However, we look forward to seeing what the FCC has to say about their plans.