Kilogram Converter
Convert Kilogram to Petagram and more • 73 conversions
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Unit Explanations
Kilogramkg
Source UnitThe kilogram, abbreviated as kg, is the SI unit of mass and is defined as being equal to the mass of the International Prototype of the Kilogram, which is a platinum-iridium cylinder kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sèvres, France. This definition was established in 1889 and was the only base unit defined by a physical object. However, in 2019, the definition of the kilogram was redefined in terms of fundamental constants, specifically the Planck constant (h), which is set at exactly 6.62607015 × 10^-34 joule seconds. This redefinition allows for more precise measurements and ensures that the kilogram remains consistent and reproducible over time.
Current Use
Today, the kilogram is widely used across the globe as the standard unit of mass in scientific, commercial, and everyday contexts. It is employed in various industries including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. For instance, in the food industry, products are often sold by mass, measured in kilograms. In healthcare, medication dosages may also be prescribed based on the patient’s weight in kilograms. While most countries use the kilogram as part of the metric system, some countries, such as the United States, still use imperial units for certain applications, though the metric system is increasingly adopted in scientific and technical fields. The versatility of the kilogram makes it a vital unit in international trade and commerce.
Fun Fact
The kilogram was the first unit of measurement to be defined by a physical artifact.
PetagramPg
Target UnitThe petagram (Pg) is a unit of mass equal to 1 quadrillion grams (10^15 grams). It is part of the metric system and is derived from the prefix 'peta,' which denotes a factor of 10^15. This unit is commonly used in scientific and environmental contexts, particularly for measuring large quantities of material or mass, such as in geology, meteorology, and ecology. The petagram helps quantify phenomena like carbon emissions, biomass, and geological formations, providing a practical scale for large datasets.
Current Use
Today, the petagram is widely used in environmental science, geology, and meteorology to quantify large masses. It is particularly relevant in discussions around carbon emissions, where countries track the total mass of carbon dioxide emissions in petagrams to assess their environmental impact. Additionally, the petagram is used in ecological studies to measure the biomass of species within ecosystems, allowing for a clearer understanding of biodiversity and ecological health.
Fun Fact
The petagram is often used to express the mass of entire ecosystems, illustrating the scale of biodiversity.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
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💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
Kilogram
force • SI Unit
Definition
The kilogram, abbreviated as kg, is the SI unit of mass and is defined as being equal to the mass of the International Prototype of the Kilogram, which is a platinum-iridium cylinder kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Sèvres, France. This definition was established in 1889 and was the only base unit defined by a physical object. However, in 2019, the definition of the kilogram was redefined in terms of fundamental constants, specifically the Planck constant (h), which is set at exactly 6.62607015 × 10^-34 joule seconds. This redefinition allows for more precise measurements and ensures that the kilogram remains consistent and reproducible over time.
History & Origin
The kilogram originated in the late 18th century during the period of the French Revolution, as part of the efforts to standardize measurements across France and eventually the world. The need for a uniform measurement system became apparent in the wake of the Revolution, as varying local measures were causing confusion and inefficiency in trade and governance. Thus, the metric system was born, with the kilogram being one of its foundational units. The first kilogram was defined as the mass of one liter of water at its maximum density, which is approximately equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters. This practical approach to defining mass allowed for easier adoption across various sectors.
Etymology: The term 'kilogram' is derived from the Greek word 'kilo', meaning 'a thousand', and the French word 'gramme', which itself comes from the Late Latin 'gramma', meaning 'small weight'.
Current Use
Today, the kilogram is widely used across the globe as the standard unit of mass in scientific, commercial, and everyday contexts. It is employed in various industries including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. For instance, in the food industry, products are often sold by mass, measured in kilograms. In healthcare, medication dosages may also be prescribed based on the patient’s weight in kilograms. While most countries use the kilogram as part of the metric system, some countries, such as the United States, still use imperial units for certain applications, though the metric system is increasingly adopted in scientific and technical fields. The versatility of the kilogram makes it a vital unit in international trade and commerce.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The kilogram was the first unit of measurement to be defined by a physical artifact.
- •The International Prototype of the Kilogram lost mass over time, leading to the redefinition in 2019.
- •The kilogram is the only SI base unit with a prefix ('kilo') included in its name.
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Petagram
weight • Non-SI
Definition
The petagram (Pg) is a unit of mass equal to 1 quadrillion grams (10^15 grams). It is part of the metric system and is derived from the prefix 'peta,' which denotes a factor of 10^15. This unit is commonly used in scientific and environmental contexts, particularly for measuring large quantities of material or mass, such as in geology, meteorology, and ecology. The petagram helps quantify phenomena like carbon emissions, biomass, and geological formations, providing a practical scale for large datasets.
History & Origin
The petagram was established as part of the International System of Units (SI) in the late 20th century as a means to facilitate the measurement of large masses and quantities in a standardized manner. Its adoption was driven by the increasing need for precise measurements in scientific research and environmental studies, where traditional units like kilograms or metric tons were insufficient for expressing vast quantities.
Etymology: The term 'petagram' is derived from the Greek word 'penta,' meaning five, which corresponds to the prefix 'peta' in the metric system indicating a factor of 10^15. The suffix 'gram' originates from the Greek 'gramma,' meaning a small weight.
Current Use
Today, the petagram is widely used in environmental science, geology, and meteorology to quantify large masses. It is particularly relevant in discussions around carbon emissions, where countries track the total mass of carbon dioxide emissions in petagrams to assess their environmental impact. Additionally, the petagram is used in ecological studies to measure the biomass of species within ecosystems, allowing for a clearer understanding of biodiversity and ecological health.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The petagram is often used to express the mass of entire ecosystems, illustrating the scale of biodiversity.
- •One petagram of carbon is equivalent to about 3.67 petagrams of carbon dioxide, due to the molecular weight difference.
- •The petagram is a less commonly used unit in everyday life, making its applications in scientific contexts particularly noteworthy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert to ?▼
To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
What is the formula for to conversion?▼
The formula is: = × 1. This conversion factor is based on international standards.
Is this to converter accurate?▼
Yes! MetricConv uses internationally standardized conversion factors from organizations like NIST and ISO. Our calculations support up to 15 decimal places of precision, making it suitable for scientific, engineering, and everyday calculations.
Can I convert back to ?▼
Absolutely! You can use the swap button (⇄) in the converter above to reverse the conversion direction, or visit our to converter.