When we say that an object is one kilogram, we are really saying is that the object has an amount of matter that is equivalent to amount of matter that the defined kilogram contains. The "amount of matter" itself is not known.
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Well how do you know it's a kilogram? Did you find that out by weighing it? Then you know directly that it has the same gravitational attraction to the Earth as the reference kilogram. By the laws of physics you can conclude that it has the same amount of matter. Did you find out by using the inertial properties of mass? For example you could use a ballistic collision test. Then you will calculate the mass from the mass of the other colliding mass, that you measured before, and presumably are confident in.
You can know the amount of matter, and since it's very unusual to find matter than isn't composed of mostly neutrons and protons which have about the same mass, you can also conclude approximately the total number of those, though you can't necessarily determine how many of each.
You can know the amount of matter, and since it's very unusual to find matter than isn't composed of mostly neutrons and protons which have about the same mass, you can also conclude approximately the total number of those, though you can't necessarily determine how many of each.
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The "amount of matter" is known... just density changes which is what leads you to think that you have a various amount of matter that makes up one kilogram when in reality you still have the same amount.. Think of it this way.. If you had 1kg of feathers and you smashed them together to the density of a gold bar that is 1kg, you'd still have 1kg... it just varies on the density
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well, first, what's your definition of one kilogram?
is it mass?
is it weight?
assuming that it's mass, then the weight is not relevant.
in that case, if you know that the material is, then it's quite possible to calculate the number of atoms.
of course, there will be a margin of error, but that's not unreasonable.
so, it would appear that your logic is, indeed, flawed.
is it mass?
is it weight?
assuming that it's mass, then the weight is not relevant.
in that case, if you know that the material is, then it's quite possible to calculate the number of atoms.
of course, there will be a margin of error, but that's not unreasonable.
so, it would appear that your logic is, indeed, flawed.
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Yes it is. We do know the amount of matter to make one kg. It is a thousand times avogrados number of pure carbon atoms at sea level. So even though one kg is usually referred to the objects weight (flawed physics), you can actually compare it to a mass of 1 kg