What is the relationship between a master standard and working standards?

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Master standards serve as the most accurate reference in a measurement system and are maintained under strict conditions to preserve their precision. They establish traceability to national or international standards, providing a stable benchmark for all other measurements. Working standards are calibrated against the master standard so their readings can be linked back to the same reference, creating a calibration chain that ensures results are comparable and reliable. The master standard is not calibrated by working standards; doing so would undermine its role as the top reference. They are not interchangeable, since the working standards rely on the master to maintain their accuracy over time. In short, the master standard provides the highly accurate reference used to calibrate working standards, ensuring traceability and consistent measurement results.