The Metric Tonne

The Metric Tonne
Part two of our study of the metric system will focus on understanding a big mass, the “Metric Tonne”.

Note the spelling of “tonne”. Tonne is not the normal spelling people are accustomed to. “Ton”, and old term, is equal to 2000 (two thousand) pounds.

A pound is not a part of the metric system but many people use it. A pound is not normally used in science and it is a very difficult measurement to use in experiments.

Tonne is part of the metric system. It is used in different parts of the world, including Canada.

A metric tonne is equal to one thousand kilograms (1000kg), so it is used to measure the weight of very heavy objects.

Expand your visualization powers. Visualize the scale photo with the little cat.

Place the cubic decimeter container on the left balance platform . Fill the container with water.

The two objects will balance out. The mass of the cat and the mass of the water equal one kilogram.

Now visualize in your mind a gigantic scale that measures mass.

On one side of the balance’s platform is a “Smart Car” with two, normal size passengers in it.

On the other platform is a cubic meter. Fill the cubic meter with water and it will be slightly heavier than the car with its passengers.

A cubic meter is big. Think of your washing machine at home. If you were to take everything out and measure its volume, it would not reach one half the volume of a cubic meter

One of the great things about the metric system is its ability to connect mass, capacity and volume.