I saw this post on /r/dataisbeautiful [https://www.reddit.com/r/dataisbeautiful/comments/jvs8w3/from_the_atom_to_the_universe_a_journey_of/](https://www.reddit.com/r/dataisbeautiful/comments/jvs8w3/from_the_atom_to_the_universe_a_journey_of/)
How can we know the weight of the Atom , observable Universe , etc ?
In: Physics
The weight of an atom is actually surprisingly easy to find. I’m not sure of the most common method, but an easy one that comes to mind is removing an electron from your atom, firing it at a known speed, and seeing how much it is deflected by a magnetic or electric field. In either case, its deflection gives you a value for its mass. By adjusting the strength of your magnet, you can get very precise measurements of your atom’s mass based on the charge of an electron.
The mass of the observable universe can only be estimated. However, we can estimate it with relative accuracy. I say relative because it is only accurate within an order of magnitude or more. The difference between a dollar and a hundred dollars. Seems big, but when talking about things so immeasurable that’s considered a good measurement.
You can look at how much mass is in a certain area based on its gravity pulling things nearby, and apply that to everything we can see. There are other approaches, but that’s a simple one.
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