Mass

Definition in words

The coefficient of proportionality between the force applied to a body and its acceleration

Note: Mass is a base SI quantity

Definition by equation

Systematic terms

Mass of component B in system 1

Result type

Rational scale
  • Value sets are positive numerical values
  • Algebraic operations are allowed (a=nb; a≠nb)
Numerical values from 0-∞

Unit

kg, g, mg, etc.

Note 1: kg is the coherent base unit to mass

Note 2: kg is always the denominator unit in unit equation, e.g. mol/kg

Non-recommended term

Weight

Reference

Ferard G, Dybkaer R, Fuentes-Arderiu X. Compendium of Terminology and Nomenclature of Properties in Clinical Laboratory Sciences : Recommendations 2016. 1 ed: Royal Society of Chemistry; 2016. 182 p.

Laboratory field

Examples

Clinical Chemistry

Example 1
Generic abbreviated
NPU03804 Pt—Body; mass = ? kg
Full result PU03804 Patient—Body; mass = 57 kilogram
Abbreviated result PU03804 Pt—Body; mass = 67 kg
Written expression The mass of Mrs. Smith’s body is [67] kg.
Equation
Example 2
Generic abbreviated
NPU03803 Pt—Liver; mass = ? kg
Full result NPU03803 Patient—Liver; mass = 2 kilogram
Abbreviated result NPU03803 Pt—Liver; mass = 2 kg
Written expression The mass of Mr. Smith’s liver is [2] kg.
Equation

Reference

NPU database, https://www.ifcc.org/ifcc-scientific-division/sd-committees/c-npu/npusearch/ and http://www.labterm.dk/default.aspx
  • Kind-of-property

    • Nominal kind-of-property

    • Kind-of-quantity

      • Unitary kind-of-quantity

        • Rational unitary kind-of-quantity

Reference

  • Dybkaer R. Concept system on ‘quantity’: formation and terminology. Accredit Qual Assur. 2013;18(3):253-60.
  • Dybkaer R. ISO terminological analysis of the VIM3 concepts ‘quantity’ and ‘kind-of-quantity’. Metrologia. 2010;47(3):127-34.
Date Term Note
1996-01-01 Mass Term established