Converting Units: How to Convert 1.6*10^7 N/cm^2 to kg/cm^2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of units from N/cm² to kg/cm², specifically addressing the challenges and considerations involved in this conversion process. Participants explore the implications of using different unit systems and the compatibility of various units.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant attempts to convert 1.6*10^7 N/cm² to kg/cm², breaking down the units into (kg*m/s²)/cm² and expressing a need for clarity in terms of cm.
  • Another participant questions the compatibility of converting from cm² to cm, suggesting that these units serve different purposes.
  • Concerns are raised about mixing mks units with cm, indicating a preference for consistency in unit systems.
  • A request is made for clarification on the necessity of the conversion, implying that understanding the context could lead to better assistance.
  • Some participants express frustration with the use of LaTeX for typesetting units, discussing formatting issues and preferences for different fonts.
  • There is a discussion about the acceptability of using kilograms instead of grams in unit conversions, with one participant noting that clarity about units is essential.
  • Another participant argues that using cm within the SI system should not pose a problem, challenging the concerns raised about unit compatibility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the conversion process, the compatibility of units, and the use of LaTeX for formatting. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached on the best approach to the unit conversion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight limitations in the clarity of unit conversions and the potential confusion arising from mixing different unit systems. There are also unresolved questions about the appropriateness of using specific units in various contexts.

kasnay
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Im trying to us 1.6*10^7 N/cm^2. this breaks to (kg*m/s^2)/cm^2. I need my units in terms of cm. So can I convert 1.6*10^7 kgm/s^2/cm^2 to
1.6*10^11 (kgm/s^2)/(m^2) then reduce to 1.6*10^11 kg/ms^2. The go back to cm and have 1.67*10^9kg/cms^2
 
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kasnay said:
(kg*m/s^2)/cm^2. I need my units in terms of cm.
First, it's pretty hard to read this when you don't use LaTeX. Please read the LaTeX Guide link below the Edit window to start using LaTeX. Thank you.

Second, I don't understand what you mean when you say you want to convert from ##cm^2## to ##cm##. Those are not compatible...
 
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Also, most of your equation uses ##mks## units, and it's generally bad to mix ##cm## into ##mks## equations...
 
Better yet, please explain why you feel you need to make that conversion and we might be able to help you with that.
 
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kasnay said:
Im trying to us 1.6*10^7 N/cm^2. this breaks to (kg*m/s^2)/cm^2. I need my units in terms of cm. So can I convert 1.6*10^7 kgm/s^2/cm^2 to
1.6*10^11 (kgm/s^2)/(m^2) then reduce to 1.6*10^11 kg/ms^2. The go back to cm and have 1.67*10^9kg/cms^2
Yes, ##1.6 \ 10^7 \mathrm{\ N/cm^2}=1.6 \ 10^9 \mathrm{ \ kg/(cm \ s^2)}##
 
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berkeman said:
First, it's pretty hard to read this when you don't use LaTeX. Please read the LaTeX Guide link below the Edit window to start using LaTeX. Thank you.

Second, I don't understand what you mean when you say you want to convert from ##cm^2## to ##cm##. Those are not compatible...
Also note that units must be typeset in Roman (non-italic) symbols!
 
vanhees71 said:
Also note that units must be typeset in Roman (non-italic) symbols!
Interesting! I just used the default LaTeX font. How would I switch fonts in LaTeX? I'm off to the LaTeX Guide for some research...
 
Okay, I see how to switch to Roman, but don't see yet how to switch back to the default font...

1654724035448.png


##\mathrm cm^2##
 
berkeman said:
Interesting! I just used the default LaTeX font. How would I switch fonts in LaTeX? I'm off to the LaTeX Guide for some research...
You have to use \mathrm{m} to typeset the symbol for the unit meter within a formula: ##\mathrm{m}##. To get ##A=1 \mathrm{cm}^2## just type a=1 \mathrm{cm}^2.
 
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  • #10
I know there's no good alternative, but Latex sucks IMO.
 
  • #11
anorlunda said:
I know there's no good alternative, but Latex sucks IMO.
What I find annoying is that sometimes the characters don't line up properly. Look at ##A=1 \mathrm{cm}^2##. The bottom of the c is not properly lined up with the bottom of the m. Sometimes I find it convenient to use the default font instead of \mathrm{} as in ##A=1~##cm##^2##. In LaTeX #A=1~#cm#^2# where all # signs are doubled. That lines up the characters nicely.
 
  • #12
kasnay said:
Im trying to us 1.6*10^7 N/cm^2. this breaks to (kg*m/s^2)/cm^2. I need my units in terms of cm.
But it's ok to use kilograms instead of grams?
 
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  • #13
You can use any units you wish as long as you are clear about what they are. An exception might be when you enter quantities as answers to online homework problems. There you have to enter the numbers in the units the algorithm expects from you.
 
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  • #14
Mister T said:
But it's ok to use kilograms instead of grams?
I also don't see any problem to use cm within the SI. Why should this be a problem?
 

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