A computer-generated image of the International Prototype Kilogram (“IPK”). The IPK is the kilogram. It sits next to an inch-based ruler for scale. The IPK is made of a platinum-iridium alloy and is stored in a vault at the BIPM in Sèvres, France. Like the other prototypes, the edges of the IPK have a four-angle chamfer to minimize wear. For other kilogram-related images, see External links, below.
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| Name | Kilogram |
| Caption | A computer-generated image of the International Prototype Kilogram (“IPK”). The IPK is the kilogram. It sits next to an inch-based ruler for scale. The IPK is made of a platinum-iridium alloy and is stored in a vault at the BIPM in Sèvres, France. Like the other prototypes, the edges of the IPK have a four-angle chamfer to minimize wear. For other kilogram-related images, see External links, below. |
| Standard | SI base unit |
| Quantity | Mass |
| Symbol | kg |
| Units1 | Natural units |
| Inunits1 | |
| Units2 | Energy |
| Inunits2 | hertz  |
| Inunits3 | 89,875,517,873,681,764 joules (precisely) |
| Units4 | U.S. customary |
| Inunits4 | ≈  pounds-avoirdupois |
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The kilogram (symbol: kg) is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI, from the French ), which is the modern standard governing the metric system. The kilogram is defined as being equal to the mass of the International Prototype Kilogram (IPK), which is almost exactly equal to the mass of one liter of water. It is the only SI base unit with an SI prefix as part of its name. It is also the only SI unit that is still defined by an artifact rather than a fundamental physical property that can be reproduced in different laboratories.
In everyday usage, the mass of an object, which is measured in kilograms, is often referred to as its weight. However, the term weight in strict scientific contexts refers to the gravitational force of an object. Throughout most of the world, force is measured with the SI unit newton and the non-SI unit kilogram-force. Similarly, the avoirdupois (or international) pound, used in both the Imperial system and U.S. customary units, is a unit of mass and its related unit of force is the pound-force. The avoirdupois pound is defined as exactly ,
making one kilogram approximately equal to 2.2046 avoirdupois pounds.
Many units in the SI system are defined relative to the kilogram so its stability is important. After the International Prototype Kilogram had been found to vary in mass over time, the International Committee for Weights and Measures (known also by its French-language initials CIPM) recommended in 2005 that the kilogram be redefined in terms of a fundamental constant of nature. No final decision is expected before 2011.
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