Kilogram Converter
Convert Kilogram to Slug 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.
Slugsl
Target UnitA slug is defined as a unit of mass in the imperial system, where one slug is equal to approximately 14.5939 kilograms. It is primarily used in engineering and physics calculations involving dynamics. The slug is derived from the fundamental principles of mass, specifically in contexts where force and acceleration are involved, as in Newton's second law of motion. It provides a convenient measure for calculations involving inertia and momentum, particularly in the field of fluid dynamics and mechanical engineering.
Current Use
Today, the slug is commonly used in engineering fields, particularly in aerospace and mechanical engineering. It is essential for calculations involving force, acceleration, and momentum in systems where imperial units are standard. The use of slugs allows engineers to avoid conversion errors when dealing with pounds and feet.
Fun Fact
Despite its name, the slug is not related to the common garden slug; it originates from a term for weight.
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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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🔗 Related Units
Slug
weight • Non-SI
Definition
A slug is defined as a unit of mass in the imperial system, where one slug is equal to approximately 14.5939 kilograms. It is primarily used in engineering and physics calculations involving dynamics. The slug is derived from the fundamental principles of mass, specifically in contexts where force and acceleration are involved, as in Newton's second law of motion. It provides a convenient measure for calculations involving inertia and momentum, particularly in the field of fluid dynamics and mechanical engineering.
History & Origin
The slug was first introduced in the early 20th century as a unit of mass to simplify calculations in dynamics and engineering. Its use arose from the need for a unit that could relate mass and force directly in the imperial system, especially in systems utilizing pounds and feet.
Etymology: The term 'slug' is believed to be derived from the Old English word 'sloeg' meaning a heavy weight or mass.
Current Use
Today, the slug is commonly used in engineering fields, particularly in aerospace and mechanical engineering. It is essential for calculations involving force, acceleration, and momentum in systems where imperial units are standard. The use of slugs allows engineers to avoid conversion errors when dealing with pounds and feet.
💡 Fun Facts
- •Despite its name, the slug is not related to the common garden slug; it originates from a term for weight.
- •The slug is primarily used in the United States, where the imperial system is still prevalent in various industries.
- •Many engineers prefer using slugs in calculations involving dynamics to avoid confusion with pounds, which can refer to both mass and force.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
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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.