When we study the unit of weight it can get a bit confusing sometimes. It’s because the weight is measured in the unit of force which is the Newton as well as in the standard base unit kilogram. Moreover, many tend to link weight and mass with each other even though they are scientifically distinct quantities. While it is very important to understand the difference between weight and mass, we will learn about the units here.
SI Unit of Weight
Most of the time physical quantities are measured in SI units to make things easier. Therefore, the SI unit of weight can be measured in kgâ‹…m/s2 (kilograms times meters per second squared) which is equal to a newton (N). Since weight is the force extended by the gravitational force on a mass it is represented by formula W = m*g, where weight can be kg * m/s2 which is equal to N.
Following is the table with the SI unit, CGS unit, and the dimension of weight:
| SI unit | N |
| SI base unit | kg.m.s-2 |
| CGS | dyne |
| Dimension | MLT-2 |
Other Weight Units
Other units known are pound-force (lbf), slug, gram, amongst others.
Converting The Units Of Weight
| 1 g = 0.001 kg |
| 1 mg = 0.000001 kg = 0.001 g |
| 1 centigram = 0.00001 kg = 0.01 g |
| 1 metric ton = 1000 kg |
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