How Was the Gram Defined? The History of a Metric Unit

Learn how the gram was defined and its historical context in the metric system during the French Revolution.

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The gram was established as a unit of mass in the metric system during the French Revolution in 1795. It was initially defined as the weight of one cubic centimeter of water at its maximum density. Today, it’s defined using the Planck constant, providing a highly accurate and universal standard for weight.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the history of the metric system? The metric system was developed during the French Revolution in the late 18th century to create a universal standard of measurement.
  2. How is the gram currently defined? Today, the gram is defined based on the Planck constant, a fundamental constant in quantum mechanics.
  3. What other units were established during the French Revolution? Alongside the gram, the French Revolution established various metric units including the meter and liter, aimed at standardizing measurements.
  4. Why is the Planck constant important? The Planck constant is crucial in quantum mechanics and establishes a precise definition of mass in modern measurements.

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