Quantcast Why use G units? Text - Physics Forums Library

PDA

View Full Version : Why use G units?


jimgoh
Aug14-08, 11:06 AM
Why do people use G-units? Essentially it is a ratio of the acceleration with gravity, why not use force directly? Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks.
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data



2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution

mgb_phys
Aug14-08, 11:16 AM
It's only used when talking to the public/media. It's easier to picture eg. a fighter pilot experiencing 5times their normal weight than mass_of_head * 49m/s^2.

Topher925
Aug14-08, 11:24 AM
And you cant use force because its not constant for each body, only the acceleration is. For example I experience a greater force from gravity than my computer, which Im about to drop out the window, does because I have more mass.

I always though it would be cool if they used a z instead of a g because then everyone would sound like they had a german accent.