Quick search Find article
Quick search
Find article

The SI unit of mass

Richard Davis

Show affiliations


The present definition of the unit of mass in the International System (SI) is based on the international prototype of the kilogram, an artefact dating back to the 1880s. At present there is considerable effort worldwide aimed at replacing this artefact definition by one based on physical constants. This paper gives a brief history of the SI unit and how it is currently realized. The focus is on historical information, often forgotten, which has current relevance.


PACS

06.20.F- Units and standards

06.30.Dr Mass and density

06.30.Bp Spatial dimensions (e.g., position, lengths, volume, angles, and displacements)

06.20.Jr Determination of fundamental constants

Subjects

Instrumentation and measurement

Dates

Issue 6 (December 2003)

Received 29 October 2003

Published 27 November 2003



View by subject




Export








Please login to access our web services, or create an account if you don't yet have one.

You must have cookies enabled in your web browser to be able to login.

Username
Password

Forgotten your password? Get a new one here.