Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

In scientific measurements, what is typically the basic unit of mass in the metric system?

1. Gram

2. Pound

3. Kilogram

4. Ounce

The correct answer is: Kilogram

The basic unit of mass in the metric system is the kilogram. This unit is defined as the mass of a specific physical artifact (the International Prototype of the Kilogram), which ensures standardization across measurements. The kilogram is the base unit for mass in the International System of Units (SI), making it a fundamental measurement in various scientific and laboratory settings. While the gram is also a unit of mass in the metric system, it is considered a subunit of the kilogram (1 kilogram equals 1000 grams). The other options, such as the pound and ounce, are units of mass used in the imperial system, which differs from the metric system and does not reflect the standard metric measurements used in scientific contexts. Thus, the kilogram's significance stems from its role as the primary metric unit, serving as a standard for mass measurement in scientific experiments and documentation.