Common Force Conversions
About Force Conversion
Convert between different units of force including newton, kilogram-force, pound-force, and more. Essential for physics, engineering, and mechanical calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between force and weight?
Weight is a specific type of force caused by gravity acting on mass. Force is measured in newtons (N), while mass is in kilograms. Weight = mass × gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s² on Earth).
How do I convert between newtons and pounds-force?
1 pound-force (lbf) equals 4.448 newtons. This conversion is important in engineering, where US systems use lbf while international standards use newtons for force measurements.
What is kilogram-force and when is it used?
Kilogram-force (kgf) is the force exerted by 1 kg mass under standard gravity (9.8 m/s²). It equals 9.807 newtons. Though not SI standard, it's still used in some engineering applications.
How much force does gravity exert on objects?
On Earth, gravity exerts 9.8 N of force per kilogram of mass. A 70 kg person experiences 686 N of gravitational force. This varies slightly with location due to Earth's rotation and elevation.
What forces are involved in car acceleration?
Car acceleration involves engine force transmitted through wheels, opposed by air resistance, rolling resistance, and inertia. F = ma, so more force or less mass results in greater acceleration.
How do hydraulic systems multiply force?
Hydraulic systems use Pascal's principle: pressure applied to confined fluid transmits equally in all directions. Small force on small piston creates large force on large piston, enabling car jacks and brakes.