you don't weigh what you thought you did...in kilograms, anyway

I read that this morning, kind of a fascinating subject. The amount of security around that 1 slug of metal that is "The Kilogram" is impressive.
 
I read that this morning, kind of a fascinating subject. The amount of security around that 1 slug of metal that is "The Kilogram" is impressive.
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Since a slug is a unit of mass equal to 14.59390 kg, "The Kilogram" isn't a slug of metal, but more like 0.068522 slug. :)
 
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I was taught that 1g was the mass of 1ccm of water.
1ccm=1ml
1000ml=1liter
1kg is then the mass of 1 liter of water.
Pretty simple.
Except, what is the defining unit for 1 meter? That is the unit upon which the entire metric system rests.

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Y'all gonna hate on me, I'm sure, but I dunno why we haven't gone to the metric system. So much easier to use, seriously.
Because we're American. We don't do things the easy way. ;)
 
The SI/English measurement system is more complicated when doing math or fractions, but it is easier to use day to day life.

Most of the English measurement units are based on averages of a human body.
An inch - about the width of a finger or thumb
A foot - the length of an adult foot
A yard - the distance from nose to fingertip when you stretch your arm out to the side.
A chain- 66 feet, or about 12 paces for an adult.
An acre is 10 square chains.

I find the metric system to be more accurate on paper, but the values seem arbitrary. I can visualize 6'2" much easier than I can 172cm. Here in the south, we get about 70 degrees on the thermometer to measure our temp with, vs half that with Celsius.

I do prefer metric tools, if only for the single number to mark their size.
 
The metric system rules. Our system blows.


US: I need a drill bit slightly larger than the 5/16" one in my hand, what do I grab?
Metric: go up on digit.
Duh. 5/16” is right between N & O on the drill size chart.
 
The metric system rules. Our system blows.


US: I need a drill bit slightly larger than the 5/16" one in my hand, what do I grab?
Metric: go up on digit.

US: I need to mix 3/4 of a gallon to 36 ounces. How big a jug do I need?
Metric: 750 ML + 79 ML... you can do that in your head.

US: How many square inches is 6' 3-3/4" x 45"?
Metric: just multiply your two numbers together.



Backward countries still not using metric:
View attachment 126526


An alternative viewpoint:
View attachment 126527
The UK uses a mix. Still use miles for distance.
 
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I spent almost 8 years in Germany, so metric comes naturally for me. It's too easy to start visualizing it in your head- 1 qt is just a wee bit less than a liter, half liter is a wee bit more than a pint. One mile is ~1.62km, so 100mph is ~ 160 km/h & ~ 60 mph is 100 km/h. 5'7" is 170cm, 6'0" is 183cm.

Units of 10 are infinitely easier to use than divisions of 12 or 16.
 
2.2046 is the full calculation

If they could standardize pants and shoe sizes and get rid of the " Feel Good size chart" I could order some clothes online.
 
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