Mass

Prefix	kilo	hecto	deka	gram	deci	centi	milli
Abbreviation	k	h	dk	m	d	c	m
Example	kilogram	hectogram	dekagram	gram	decigram	centigram	milligram
Multiplier	1,000	100	10	1	0.1	0.01	0.001

Mass is the amount of matter in an object. When you record mass the unit you use is grams. A medium sized leaf is about 1 gram, a potato chip 2 grams. A larger unit of mass is a kilogram. A kilogram is about the mass of a medium sized text book. You need a balance to find mass.

There are many kinds of balances; one is a double pan balance where you balance two objects, one known and the other unknown.

Metric Conversion Table

metric ton =1,000,000 grams

quintal =100,000 grams

kilogram =1,000 grams

hectogram =100 grams

decagram =10 grams

decigram =0.1 grams

centigram =0.01grams

milligram =0.001 grams

Mass Converter

The gram is the unit used to measure mass. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. Mass is different from weight. Weight is the measure of gravitational pull. Your weight on the moon is less because there is not a strong gravitational pull. Mass, on the other hand, is the same anywhere in the universe. Mass is measured with a balance. One balance is a double pan balance which works like a sea saw.

Matter

Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. Both living and nonliving things are made up of matter. Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. Most matter on earth exists in three states: liquids, solids, and gas. All matter is made up of tiny particles called atoms. An atom is the smallest unit of matter that can exist and still be recognized. You and all the things around you are made of matter.

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