posted
Here's a summary link. Basically, some 130,000 measurements of a relatively close twin pulsar system were taken and compared to predictions made using general relativity theory. The results more or less speak for themselves:
quote:Researchers have now compiled nearly three years worth of observations to make the finest scale test of general relativity yet, and find that its predictions are accurate to at least 99.95 percent.
As an engineer-in-training, that's the kind of error margin I'd round to zero. Posts: 10886 | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
Although I found interesting an uncited comment that Quantum Electro (Mechanics? Dynamics?) is accurate out to 10-11 decimal places, instead of 3-4 for general relativity.
posted
Although I found interesting an uncited comment that Quantum Electro (Mechanics? Dynamics?) is accurate out to 10-11 decimal places, instead of 3-4 for general relativity.
quote:Originally posted by Bokonon: Although I found interesting an uncited comment that Quantum Electro (Mechanics? Dynamics?) is accurate out to 10-11 decimal places, instead of 3-4 for general relativity.
-Bok
I can't imagine how one would determine that since I know of no measurement techniques that are accurate to that many decimal places.
Posts: 12591 | Registered: Jan 2000
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quote:Originally posted by Bokonon: Although I found interesting an uncited comment that Quantum Electro (Mechanics? Dynamics?) is accurate out to 10-11 decimal places, instead of 3-4 for general relativity.
-Bok
I can't imagine how one would determine that since I know of no measurement techniques that are accurate to that many decimal places.
Perhaps other people know of measurement techniques which are that accurate? I'm not one of them, though I've heard the same figures for a few particular constants of QED, particularly, spin angular momentum of an electron.
Posts: 168 | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
Yep. Also the fine structure constant alpha, and I think the electron-to-muon cross-section is prediceted to at least five or six decimal places.
Posts: 10645 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
The currrent value of g, representing the magnetic moment of the electron, is accurate to within 0.76 parts per trillion: ie easily within 1 part per 1,000,000,000,000.
Gabrielse also led the team comparing charge-to-mass ratios for an antiproton and a proton to an accuracy of 90 parts per trillion: ie accurate to within 10 decimal places
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