Convert Shakes to Nanoseconds
Convert Shakes (sh) to Nanoseconds (ns) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
ns = sh × 10
About Shakes
A shake = exactly 10 ns (10⁻⁸ s) - the informal unit for fission prompt-neutron generation time, coined at Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project (1943-1945). A prompt-neutron generation in a supercritical core takes ~1-10 shakes; a full explosive chain reaction unfolds over ~50-100 shakes. The name alludes to 'two shakes of a lamb's tail'. Still used in reactor physics and weapons-design calculations. 1 shake = 10 ns.
About Nanoseconds
A nanosecond (ns) = 10⁻⁹ s; light travels ~30 cm - Grace Hopper distributed 30 cm wire segments as physical 'nanoseconds' to illustrate latency. CPU clock cycles at 3-5 GHz: 0.2-0.33 ns. DDR5 CAS latency ~10 ns. GPS requires <3 ns timing accuracy for sub-metre positioning. Lightning return strokes rise in 100-200 ns. Data-centre 400GbE switch latency 300-500 ns. 1 ns = 10⁻⁹ s.
Quick Reference Table
| Shakes (sh) | Nanoseconds (ns) |
|---|---|
| 1 sh | 10 ns |
| 2 sh | 20 ns |
| 5 sh | 50 ns |
| 10 sh | 100 ns |
| 25 sh | 250 ns |
| 50 sh | 500 ns |
| 100 sh | 1000 ns |