Convert Atomic Mass Unit (u) to Centigram (cg) instantly.
About these units
Atomic Mass Unit (u)
The atomic mass unit (u) is defined as exactly 1/12 the mass of a neutral carbon-12 atom, which makes it approximately 1.66053906660 × 10⁻²⁷ kilograms. This definition allows scientists to express atomic and molecular masses in a convenient, intuitive scale that aligns with the structure of the periodic table. By anchoring the unit to carbon-12, chemists and physicists gained a universal reference point that harmonizes molecular weight, relative isotopic abundance, and mass spectroscopy results. The atomic mass unit effectively normalizes the complexity of atomic masses into whole-number or near-whole-number values for most nuclei. In chemistry, u is indispensable for calculating molar masses, reaction stoichiometry, and isotopic compositions. It is also used across nuclear physics, astrophysics, and biophysics, demonstrating the universality of atomic-scale measurement.
Centigram (cg)
A centigram, equal to 1/100 of a gram, is an intermediate unit not frequently encountered in everyday life but occasionally useful in laboratory settings and chemical formulations. Its size offers a compromise between the larger gram and the smaller milligram, especially in contexts like dietetics, powdered chemicals, or small-scale industrial ingredients. Though not widely used, the centigram's value lies in its flexibility—providing a metric option for moderate precision without resorting to decimals.