Convert Atomic Mass Unit (u) to Kiloton (Metric) (kt) 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.
Kiloton (Metric) (kt)
A kiloton, equal to 1,000 metric tons, is used in large-scale industrial, geological, and agricultural contexts. However, the term is better known for expressing explosive yields, particularly of nuclear weapons. Scientists estimate the energy release of explosions by comparing them to the detonation of 1,000 tons of TNT. For example, the Hiroshima bomb had a yield of about 15 kilotons. Outside military contexts, kilotons appear in discussions of carbon emissions, waste production, and global resource extraction. They provide a manageable scale for describing quantities too large for tons but not yet at the megaton level.