answersLogoWhite

0

The metre was originally defined as one ten-millionth of the distance from the North Pole to the equator, at sea level along the meridian that passed through Paris.

Unfortunately, improvements in metrology meant that a measure that was meant to be a standard was not constant! So, in 1983 it was re-defined as the distance travelled by light in vacuum in 1/299,792,458 of a second

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

DevinDevin
I've poured enough drinks to know that people don't always want advice—they just want to talk.
Chat with Devin
ProfessorProfessor
I will give you the most educated answer.
Chat with Professor
ReneRene
Change my mind. I dare you.
Chat with Rene

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is a meter the length it is?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp