Commonwealth legislation

National Measurement Act 1960 - Determination by the National Standards Commission - Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Velocity - Electromagnetic Waves in a Vacuum

RepealedCTH

This Act has been repealed and is no longer in force. It is retained for historical reference.

Jurisdiction

Commonwealth

Collection

legislative instrument

Plain English Summary

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What this does: This law sets the official Australian standard for the speed of light.

The exact value: It declares that the speed of electromagnetic waves (like light and radio waves) traveling through a vacuum is exactly 299,792,458 metres per second. This is a "recognized-value standard," meaning it is a fixed, unchangeable reference point used for all official measurements in Australia.

Why it matters: By fixing this number exactly, scientists, engineers, and manufacturers ensure their instruments, GPS systems, telecommunications equipment, and scientific calculations are consistent and legally traceable to national standards.

Who it affects: Primarily scientific institutions, calibration laboratories, and high-tech industries that rely on precise electromagnetic measurements.

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Direct links to the current provisions in National Measurement Act 1960 - Determination by the National Standards Commission - Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Velocity - Electromagnetic Waves in a Vacuum.

National Measurement Act 1960 - Determination by the National Standards Commission - Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement of Velocity - Electromagnetic Waves in a Vacuum

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national measurement act 1960

determination by the national standards commission

Recognized-Value Standard of Measurement

of Velocity

In pursuance of paragraph 8A(1)(a) of the National Measurement Act 1960, the National Standards Commission hereby determines that the magnitude of the velocity of electromagnetic waves in vacuum shall be a recognized-value standard of measurement having an exact value of 299 792 458 m.s-1.

Dated this 21st day of March 1985

The common seal of the national T.J. PETRY

standards commission was hereto

affixed by authority of the Commission

in the presence of

Source text

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.