Kilogram Converter
Convert Kilogram to Picogram 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.
Picogrampg
Target UnitA picogram (pg) is a metric unit of mass equal to one trillionth (10^-12) of a gram. It is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is used primarily in scientific contexts to measure extremely small masses. The picogram is derived from the prefix 'pico,' which denotes 10^-12, and is particularly useful in fields such as chemistry and biology where minute quantities of substances are common. For example, a picogram is often employed to quantify the mass of molecules or particles at the atomic scale.
Current Use
Today, picograms are extensively used in laboratories and research settings, particularly in fields such as biochemistry, pharmacology, and environmental science. They are essential for measuring the concentrations of substances like hormones, toxins, and genetic material, where sample sizes can be incredibly small. The picogram allows for a precise understanding of the effects of substances in biological systems at the molecular level.
Fun Fact
A picogram is roughly equivalent to the mass of a single grain of pollen.
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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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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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Picogram
weight • Non-SI
Definition
A picogram (pg) is a metric unit of mass equal to one trillionth (10^-12) of a gram. It is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is used primarily in scientific contexts to measure extremely small masses. The picogram is derived from the prefix 'pico,' which denotes 10^-12, and is particularly useful in fields such as chemistry and biology where minute quantities of substances are common. For example, a picogram is often employed to quantify the mass of molecules or particles at the atomic scale.
History & Origin
The picogram originated from the development of the metric system in the late 18th century, which aimed to create a standardized system of measurement based on decimal multiples and submultiples. The prefix 'pico' was introduced in 1960 during the 11th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) as part of the SI system, defining it as 10^-12, facilitating the expression of very small quantities in a clear and concise manner.
Etymology: The term 'picogram' is derived from the prefix 'pico,' which comes from the Spanish word 'pico,' meaning 'a small quantity' or 'a beak,' and 'gram,' which is derived from the Greek word 'gramma,' meaning 'a small weight.'
Current Use
Today, picograms are extensively used in laboratories and research settings, particularly in fields such as biochemistry, pharmacology, and environmental science. They are essential for measuring the concentrations of substances like hormones, toxins, and genetic material, where sample sizes can be incredibly small. The picogram allows for a precise understanding of the effects of substances in biological systems at the molecular level.
💡 Fun Facts
- •A picogram is roughly equivalent to the mass of a single grain of pollen.
- •The human body contains approximately 10 million picograms of insulin in a healthy individual.
- •In some laboratory settings, instruments are capable of measuring changes as small as one picogram.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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