A hectogram (hg) is a metric unit of mass or weight in the International System of Units (SI). It represents one hundred grams or 10^2 grams. The metric system is a decimal-based system of measurement used worldwide, and it offers a convenient way to express both large and small quantities of mass.
To put the hectogram into perspective:
Hectograms are not as commonly used as some other metric units of mass, such as grams, kilograms, or metric tons (tonnes). However, you might encounter them in specific contexts, particularly in culinary measurements for food ingredients. For example, some recipes or food packaging might express the weight of an ingredient in hectograms, especially in countries where the metric system is prevalent.
The kilogram (kg) is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined as the mass of the International Prototype of the Kilogram (IPK), a platinum-iridium cylinder kept at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in France.
Until May 20, 2019, the kilogram was defined by the physical prototype, but as part of the redefinition of the SI units, the kilogram was redefined in terms of fundamental constants. Since that date, the kilogram is defined by fixing the numerical value of the Planck constant (h) to be exactly 6.62607015 x 10^-34 joule-seconds.
This redefinition ensures that the value of the kilogram is now based on a constant of nature rather than relying on a physical object that could potentially change over time. It allows for a more precise and stable definition of the kilogram and other SI units.