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

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The discussion centers on converting the unit 1.6*10^7 N/cm^2 into a form expressed in centimeters. Participants emphasize the importance of using LaTeX for clarity in mathematical expressions and point out the incompatibility of converting from cm^2 to cm. There are also concerns about mixing metric (mks) and centimeter units in calculations. The conversation touches on the flexibility of using different units, like kilograms instead of grams, as long as clarity is maintained. Overall, the need for proper unit conversion and formatting in scientific communication is highlighted.
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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...

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##\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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I know there's no good alternative, but Latex sucks IMO.
 
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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.
 
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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.
But it's ok to use kilograms instead of grams?
 
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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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