How Heavy How Light - Conversion of Weight Units

Weight is a measure of how heavy or light an object is. We use a balance scale to compare weights; visually, the pan with the heavier object moves downwards, while the pan with the lighter object moves upwards. If the two pans are perfectly level, the weights are equal.

The standard units for measuring weight are grams ($g$) and kilograms ($kg$). Grams are used for light objects like a pencil, a spoon, or an eraser. Kilograms are used for heavier objects like a school bag, a watermelon, or a bag of rice.

The relationship between the two units is that $1\text{ kilogram}$ is equal to $1000\text{ grams}$. You can visualize $1\text{ kg}$ as being made up of $1000$ small $1\text{ g}$ weights grouped together.

To convert kilograms ($kg$) into grams ($g$), we multiply the number of kilograms by $1000$. For example, to find the grams in $4\text{ kg}$, we calculate $4 \times 1000 = 4000\text{ g}$.

To convert grams ($g$) into kilograms ($kg$), we divide the number of grams by $1000$. For example, $7000\text{ g}$ is equal to $\frac{7000}{1000} = 7\text{ kg}$.

Shopkeepers use standard metal weights to measure items on a balance. These weights usually come in sizes like $50\text{ g}$, $100\text{ g}$, $250\text{ g}$, $500\text{ g}$, $1\text{ kg}$, $2\text{ kg}$, and $5\text{ kg}$. To measure an object weighing $800\text{ g}$, a shopkeeper might place a $500\text{ g}$, a $200\text{ g}$, and a $100\text{ g}$ weight together in one pan.

When dealing with mixed units like $3\text{ kg } 250\text{ g}$, we convert the kilogram part to grams first ($3000\text{ g}$) and then add the remaining grams ($250\text{ g}$) to get a total of $3250\text{ g}$.