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Mass

Just how heavy is 10 nanograms?

Particles & molecules

10 ng

Scale
10 nanograms

The quantity is exact as entered.

1 × 10⁻¹¹ kgMass in kilograms
0 kg
Pollen grain

A pollen grain carries the male reproductive cells of a seed-producing plant.

1 × 10⁻¹¹ kgMass in kilograms
0 kg

Bar length measures mass, not physical size. Both bars start at zero kilograms (kg). Pictures identify the objects only.

A little perspective

10 nanograms is approximately equal to the mass of a pollen grain.

Measurements, assumptions & sources +

10 nanograms

Mass: 10 ng; definition.

The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.

NIST — SI conversion factors

Pollen grain

Mass: 10 ng; defined specimen.

A chosen 30 µm pollen grain. Plant species produce very different grains.

An illustrative mass chosen for this teaching specimen, stored independently from its size. Actual composition, hydration and specimen dimensions vary.

Defined examples — our methodology

The marked mass is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.

Measurement details

Why these numbers?

Compare 10 nanograms with the mass of a pollen grain. The notes below explain how each value was chosen.

10 nanograms

10 ng

Mass · definition

The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.

Pollen grain

10 ng

Mass · defined specimen

A chosen 30 µm pollen grain. Plant species produce very different grains.

Comparing
Mass ↔ Mass
Relative size
10 nanograms is approximately equal to the mass of a pollen grain.

How to read the visual

The diagram uses the recorded measurements. Details outside the marked spans do not set the scale.

  • Pollen grain: An illustrative mass chosen for this teaching specimen, stored independently from its size. Actual composition, hydration and specimen dimensions vary.

Mass is distinct from weight: an object’s mass stays the same as gravity changes.

1 × 10⁻¹¹ kgkilograms
2.2046 × 10⁻¹¹ lbpounds
1 × 10⁻¹⁴ ttonnes

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