this post was submitted on 26 Aug 2023
398 points (95.6% liked)

Showerthoughts

30032 readers
723 users here now

A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.

Rules

  1. All posts must be showerthoughts
  2. The entire showerthought must be in the title
  3. Avoid politics
    • 3.1) NEW RULE as of 5 Nov 2024, trying it out
    • 3.2) Political posts often end up being circle jerks (not offering unique perspective) or enflaming (too much work for mods).
    • 3.3) Try c/politicaldiscussion, volunteer as a mod here, or start your own community.
  4. Posts must be original/unique
  5. Adhere to Lemmy's Code of Conduct

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
vatlark@lemmy.world
forkball@lemmy.world
quinten@lemmy.world
Thekingoflorda@lemmy.world
398
A metric tonne (1000 kg) should be called a megagram (1 Mg). (lemmy.ca)
submitted 1 year ago by someguy3@lemmy.ca to c/showerthoughts@lemmy.world
66 comments fedilink hide all child comments
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[โ€“] randy@lemmy.ca 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm an engineer, and I make it a point to teach young engineers that "a ton" can mean any one of three things:

  • Short ton = 2000 lb
  • Long ton = 2240 lb
  • Metric ton = 1000 kg = ~2204 lb

And which is being used is often not spelled out, but is just known from context, and usually should be clarified. I once nearly got in trouble by thinking a measurement was in short tons when it was actually metric tons.

So my own act of rebellion is to use "Mg" when I'm writing my personal notes.

[โ€“] Treczoks@lemm.ee 4 points 1 year ago

There is metric ton and this imperial shit. And thanks to metric being highly systematic, "Mg" (megagrams) is actually correct - "ton" is just a shorthand.