Meter (m)

Definition

The meter (m) is the base unit of length in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the distance light travels in a vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds.

History

  • 1791: The meter was first introduced by the French Academy of Sciences as a unit of measurement.
  • 1889: The international prototype meter, a platinum-iridium bar, was established in Paris.
  • 1960: The meter was redefined based on the wavelength of krypton-86 light.
  • 1983: The current definition based on the speed of light was adopted.

Uses

The meter is used globally in scientific research, engineering, construction, and everyday measurements. It is the standard unit for measuring distances in most countries, except for a few like the United States, where customary units are more prevalent.

Conversions

  • 1 meter = 100 centimeters
  • 1 meter = 1,000 millimeters
  • 1 kilometer = 1,000 meters
  • 1 meter = 39.3701 inches

Fun Facts

  • The meter was originally intended to be one ten-millionth of the distance from the North Pole to the equator.
  • A common misconception is that “meter” and “metre” are different units; “metre” is simply the British English spelling.
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