Why Isn't a Kilogram a Kilogram?

The kilogram is the basic unit of mass in the metric system, but there’s a serious problem: the standard that defines how much mass a kilogram actually has isn’t reliable anymore...

Hosted by: Michael Aranda
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[SilentBudgie]

Why not go back to using the American system, where we just count the number of brine-soaked barley-corns we can fit in a hog's head? That was pretty accurate.

[Azivegu]

in all reallity, scientist want to define mass by photons just so they can make jokes about how fat the sun is.

[mholber]

I feel like I have seen 20 videos about this topic.

[clarkfeeley]

This needs to be done with the terms assload and shitton as well.

[Slithy]

What about that silicon ball though? I loved the thing.

[thijsjong]

So if the kilogram becomes more heavy. I will have weightlosss yay!

[leoschue]

Didn't even know it was a problem, but I'm glad they've almost fixed it.

[SatanistSin]

So a meter around a black hole is actually a different length of space?

[RapierNeedleCrime]

still better than the fucking imperial system

[Nagrooven]

Really wish America would switch to kg like everyone else

[kcwidman]

"ALMOST" what country are you talking about? What major country would be so obstanant as to not accept the metric system? What a bunch of silly billy's.

By the way I'm an American. :(

[drusbasky]

How much do you weigh?
Well some would say im pretty "light"...

[insainsin]

Yay, planck units. The best units to exist.

[ErenMortel]

Your voice is so chill it makes me calm

[ReDefighter]

That's freaking awesome. Thanks for posting this! You all at SciShow are amazing people. =)

[Crystan]

I consider myself a reasonably intelligent person, but I can't even begin to work out how they'd measure mass using electricity. Still, it would be nice to know that my future 1kg chocolate bars will still be the same size as always post 2018...

[phantasm]

Can you do one on cerebral aneurysms? I had one rupture at 19 and would love to learn more!

[Lttlemoi]

Gotta love the irony of defining the unit of mass based on the properties of massless particles.

[matimeo]

Another awesome video! Keep up the great work SciShow.

[pnkflyd]

Wow.. Last time I was this early MTv played music videos.