Kilogram
| Formula / Notation | 1 kg = 1000 g; SI base unit of mass; N = kg·m/s² |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | kg, kilogram (SI mass unit), mass unit, SI base unit of mass |
What is Kilogram?
The SI base unit of mass, symbol kg. One kilogram is defined by fixing the Planck constant at exactly 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s. In chemistry, masses are often expressed in grams (g) or milligrams (mg). The kilogram is the only SI base unit with a prefix in its name.
Formula & Notation
Other Names / Synonyms: kg, kilogram (SI mass unit), mass unit, SI base unit of mass
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
The SI base unit of mass, symbol kg. One kilogram is defined by fixing the Planck constant at exactly 6.626 × 10⁻³⁴ J·s. In chemistry, masses are often expressed in grams (g) or milligrams (mg). The kilogram is the only SI base unit with a prefix in its name.
The kilogram is the basis of all mass-based measurements in chemistry: weighing reagents, calculating stoichiometry (n = m/M), expressing density (kg/m³ or g/cm³), and in SI units of force (N = kg·m/s²), pressure (Pa = kg/m·s²), and energy (J = kg·m²/s²).
No direct safety concern for the unit itself. Accurate mass measurement is critical in chemical safety: weighing errors in pharmaceutical preparation can lead to toxic overdoses; in explosive formulation, wrong mass ratios cause premature detonation or dud results.
The formula or notation for Kilogram is: 1 kg = 1000 g; SI base unit of mass; N = kg·m/s²