The Electronic Kilogram

Published

May 1, 2001

Author(s)

Michael H. Kelley

Abstract

The kilogram is the only remaining base unit in the International System of Units (SI) whose definition is based on a single physical artifact rather than on fundamental properties of nature. Effects such as environmental contamination or material loss from surface cleaning are causing the true mass of the International Prototype Kilogram to drift (by about 5 parts in 10⁸ per century), relative to sister prototypes. The equivalence of electrical and mechanical power provides a possible alternate measurement of mass in terms of other units that are based on fundamental quantum mechanical principles, such as the speed of light, the Josephson voltage, and the quantum Hall resistance. This provides a possible time-invariant definition of mass.

Proceedings Title

Tech. Dig., IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium

Conference Dates

May 20-25, 2001

Conference Location

Phoenix, AZ

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

absolute ampere, balance, fundamental constants, kilogram, mass standard, watt

Citation

Kelley, M. (2001), The Electronic Kilogram, Tech. Dig., IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium, Phoenix, AZ, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=16730 (Accessed April 25, 2026)

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