KILOGRAMS Meaning and
Definition
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Kilograms, abbreviated as kg, is a unit of measurement used for quantifying mass in the metric system. It is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). The word "kilogram" is derived from the Greek word "chilioi," meaning a thousand, and the Greek word "gramma," meaning a small weight.
A kilogram is defined as the mass of the International Prototype of the Kilogram (IPK), a platinum-iridium cylinder stored in France at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. This prototype serves as the standard against which all kilogram measurements are calibrated. The mass of the IPK is approximately equal to the mass of 1,000 cubic centimeters of water at its maximum density, allowing for easy comparison and conversion between weight and volume.
The kilogram is commonly used for measuring the mass of various objects, including people, animals, and inanimate objects. It is widely employed in everyday life and also heavily utilized in scientific research, engineering, and industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
In scientific notation, one kilogram is equivalent to 10^3 grams or 10^-3 metric tons. It is important to note that kilogram is a unit of mass and should not be confused with a unit of force such as Newtons, which requires a separate conversion.
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Etymology of KILOGRAMS
The word "kilogram" originates from the French language. Its etymology can be traced back to the combination of two French words:
1. "Kilo": It comes from the Greek word "khilioi", meaning "thousand". It was adopted by the French in the late 18th century when they were establishing the metric system.
2. "Gramme": This word is derived from the Latin "gramma", which itself comes from the Greek "gramma", meaning "small weight".
Therefore, the word "kilogram" combines "kilo" (thousand) and "gramme" (small weight) to refer to a unit of measurement that is equal to one thousand grams.
Similar spelling words for KILOGRAMS
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