Do you want to know more about metrology and the science of measurement?
Have you ever wanted to know the answers to the most popular questions about measurement or physics? What is the difference between metrology and measurement? Why is the science of measurement important? What are the laws of physics? What is physics and why is it important? How is physics used in everyday life?
What is a leap second?
An occasional leap second adjustment ensures our clocks reflect the Earth's rotation speed as accurately as possible.
Find out moreWhat is net zero?
The UK has committed to bringing all greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’ by 2050, but what does this mean?
Find out moreHow are greenhouse gases measured?
Greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere are increasing. So how do we define and measure the greenhouse effect?
Find out moreHow do scientists measure the temperature of the Earth
Many aspects of the earth’s temperature can be measured, each with their own relevance and techniques.
Find out moreHow and why do we measure the colour of the ocean?
What role does ocean colour play in measuring climate change?
Find out moreWhat is a National Metrology Institute?
NMIs realise, maintain and develop their country’s primary measurement standards.
Find out moreWhat’s the difference between metrology and measurement?
Both are fundamental to human activity, but what’s the difference?
Find out moreIs midnight 12am or 12pm?
The meaning of 12am,12pm, midday, midnight and the 24-hour clock
Find out moreIs there a difference between measurement 'accuracy' and 'uncertainty'?
When used in measurement it is vital to use the correct word
Find out moreWhen do the clocks change?
When do the clocks go back? NPL details UK Daylight Savings Time, if other countries change their clocks, and information about the role of atomic clocks.
Find out moreWhen do the four British seasons dates officially begin?
There are no official definitions of the duration of spring, summer, autumn and winter, so what are the british seasons dates?
Find out moreWhy does atmospheric pressure change with altitude?
Atmospheric pressure reduces with altitude for two reasons, both of which are related to gravity.
Find out moreWhat is the difference between density and specific gravity?
Density and specific gravity are both used to describe mass and can be used to compare substances. However, they are not identical measures.
Find out moreWhy is my radio-controlled clock not showing the correct time?
What can you do to ensure you receive the correct time?
Find out moreWhat is the scientific definition of a vacuum?
The definition of a vacuum is not precise but is commonly taken to mean pressures below, and often considerably below, atmospheric pressure.
Find out moreWhat are g-forces and are they caused by gravity?
The term g-force is used to convey values of force and acceleration.
Find out moreWhat is the SI unit of force?
Historically, there have been a variety of units of force and conversion factors.
Find out moreWhat are the differences between mass, weight, force and load?
We use these words on a daily basis, but do you really know the difference?
Find out moreHow is air density determined?
Air density is used in many branches of science, engineering and industry and can be measured in two broad categories, Indirect measurement or parametric method and Direct measurement.
Find out moreHow do I convert between dew point and relative humidity?
There is no simple formula for converting between dew point and relative humidity.
Find out moreThe difference between a transducer and a transmitter?
Both devices measure pressure, but what’s the difference?
Find out moreWhat is emissivity and why is it important?
What is emissivity? All objects at temperatures above absolute zero emit thermal radiation.
Find out moreWhat is a platinum resistance thermometer?
A platinum resistance thermometer (PRT) contains a piece of platinum wire, whose electrical resistance is proportional to temperature.
Find out moreWhat is platinum?
Platinum is one of the rarest and most precious metals. It is used to represent 70 year celebrations – birthdays, anniversaries and, recently, the Queen’s Jubilee.
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