The mass of an object is often referred to as its weight, these are used in different concepts and quantities. Before knowing the units of mass or weight we have to know what is mass and weight. Let us discuss the difference between mass and weight from here. This article helps you a lot to know the standard units of mass or weight. Students can find the worked-out problems on Unit of Mass or Weight on this page.
Also, Refer:
- Units of Mass and Weight Conversion Chart
- Examples on Unit of Mass or Weight
- Measuring Mass
- Word Problems on Measuring Mass
What is Mass?
Mass is the measure of the amount of matter in a body. Mass is one of the fundamental quantities in physics and the fundamental property of matter. The SI unit of mass is Kilogram (KG). Kilograms are used to measure heavier objects and grams are used to measure lightweight objects.
What is Weight?
The weight is the measure of the force of gravity acting on a body. Weight is the product of mass and gravity. The SI unit of weight is Newton(N). The weight of an object is directly proportional to its mass.
The formula to measure the weight is as follows,
w = mg
Unit of Mass or Weight
The standard unit of measurement is known as the metric system. The standard unit of mass or weight is the kilogram. The short form of the kilogram is ‘kg’.
1 kg = 1000 gram and 1000g = 1 kg
To measure the lightweight items like pen, pencil, chocolates, chalk piece, etc we use grams. To measure the heavy items like vegetables, Rice bags, we use the metric ton(1000 kg), quintal(100 kg). Because kilograms are used to measure heavy objects and are used to measure bigger weights.
Metric Conversion Chart of Mass
| Metric | US or Imperial | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 milligram [mg] | 0.0154 grain | |
| 1 gram [g] | 1,000 mg | 0.0353 oz |
| 1 kilogram [kg] | 1,000 g | 2.2046 lb |
| 1 tonne [t] | 1,000 kg | 1.1023 short ton |
| 1 tonne [t] | 1,000 kg | 0.9842 long ton |
Unit of Mass or Weight Solved Problems
Example 1.
Convert 7000 kg to quintal.
Solution:
Given, 7000 kg
Convert from kgs to quintal.
1 quintal = 100 kg
7000 kgs = 70 × 100 kg = 70 quintal.
Thus the conversion of 7000 kg is 70 quintal.
Example 2.
Change 3145 quintal to kilogram.
Solution:
We have to convert from quintal to kilograms.
1 quintal = 100 kgs
3145 quintal = 3145 × 100 kg
= 314500 kgs
Thus 3145 quintal = 314500 kgs
Example 3.
Convert the following
i. 12 kg to grams.
ii. 6000 grams to kgs.
iii. 9 kgs to grams
Solution:
i. 12 kg to grams.
Convert from kilograms to grams.
1 kg = 1000 grams
12 kg = 12 × 1000 g = 12000 grams
Thus 12 kg = 12,000 grams
ii. 6000 grams to kgs.
Convert from grams to kilograms
1000 grams = 1 kg
6000 grams = 6 × 1 kg = 6 kg
Thus 6000 grams = 6 kgs
iii. 9 kgs to grams
Convert from kilograms to grams.
1 kg = 1000 grams
9 kg = 9 × 1000 g = 9000 grams
Thus 9 kg = 9,000 grams
Example 4.
Priya brought 5 kg 500 g of onions from one shop, 1 kg 500 grams onions from another shop. How many kgs of onions did she bring from all the shops?
Solution:
Given,
Priya brought 5 kg 500 g of onions from one shop, 1 kg 500 grams onions from another shop.
5 kg 500 grams
+1 kg 500 grams
6 kg 1000 grams
Convert from grams to kilograms.
1000 grams = 1 kg
6 kg 1000 grams = 7 kg
Thus Priya brought 7 kgs of onions from all shops.
Example 5.
The cost of 2 kg apples is Rs. 400. What is the cost of 500 grams of apples?
Solution:
Given that,
The cost of 2 kg apples is Rs. 400.
1 kg = Rs. 200
Convert from kgs to grams
1 kg = 1000 grams
2 kg = 2 × 1000 grams = 2000 grams
Divide by 4 into both sides
2000 ÷ 4 = 400 ÷ 4
500 = 100
Therefore the cost of 500 grams of apples is Rs. 100.
FAQS on Unit of Mass or Weight
1. What is the unit for mass and weight?
The S.I unit for mass is kilogram and the unit for weight is Newton.
2. What are units of weight?
The unit for weight is Newton.
3. How do I calculate weight?
Weight is a measure of the force of gravity pulling down on the object. It depends on mass and acceleration due to gravity.