The new kilogram

A kilogram is one of the unit international units for mass. It alongside gram, litre, millilitre and more are all common units in civilised society.

That is why the ‘new’ kilogram is somewhat surprising.

Replacing a unit is not done on a trivial basis. Fortunately it is not a replacement but a new definition.

No longer is a kilogram 1,000 grams but measure of the electric energy needed to resist gravity to the equivalent of 1 kilogram.

This different from the mass normally used ot define a kilogram. The reasons for this new definition all relate to the original kilogram. Literally the original kilogram which is a physical object.

That carries all kinds of risks. Thew most prominent is what happens when the object is lost, destroyed or damaged? The new kilogram circumvents all of these issues.

Relevant links:

There's a Brand-New Kilogram, And It's Based on Quantum Physics

The definition of the kilogram just changed. Here's what that means.

Kilogram: Disseminating the New Kilogram

OFF THE SCALE What is the new standard for the kilogram, how are scientists redefining the kilogram and when does this change take effect?