The shortest period of time currently measurable is 247 zeptoseconds.
Understanding Zeptoseconds
A zeptosecond is an extremely small unit of time. To put it into perspective:
- A zeptosecond is one trillionth of a billionth of a second.
- It's a decimal fraction of the second and it's defined as 10-21 seconds.
- Reference: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics (JILA) use strontium atomic clocks that measure time in sextillionths of a second.
The Measurement of Zeptoseconds
Scientists have been able to measure events happening in zeptoseconds. According to the reference, the smallest fragment of time currently measurable is 247 zeptoseconds.
Importance of Measuring Short Time Periods
The ability to measure such incredibly short periods of time helps scientists:
- Understand fundamental processes in physics and chemistry.
- Study the behavior of electrons.
- Develop more precise timekeeping technologies.
