Kilogram Newtons (Extremely Easy Question)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the conversion between mass and force, specifically in the context of a 5 kg load and its corresponding force in Newtons. Participants are exploring the relationship between mass and weight in physics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the interpretation of "5 kg load" and whether it refers to mass or force. There is discussion about using the formula w = mg to calculate weight and the distinction between kilogram mass and kilogram force.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants providing insights into the definitions of mass and force. Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculation of weight and the conversion between units, but no consensus has been reached on the interpretation of the term "kgN."

Contextual Notes

There is a note that kgN is not recognized as a standard unit, and participants are considering the implications of using kgf versus kg in their calculations.

kape
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Very sorry, but I just don't know..

If there is a 5kg load on an object, let's say a book on a table.. what is it's force in kgN? Is it 5kg x 9.8?!
 
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Yes, the weight of a 5kg mass is about 5*9.8 = 49 Newtons.
 
maybe he is getting at the difference between kgm and kgf (kilogram mass and kilogram force)?
 
Good point.

If by "5 Kg load" you mean the weight of an object whose mass is 5 Kg, then find the force via w = mg. The load equals (approximately) 5*9.8 = 49 N as I stated above.

On the other had, if by "5 Kg load" you really meant a load (force) of 5 kgf (Kilogram-force, a unit of force, not mass), then convert to standard (SI) units of force (Newtons) using the definition of 1 kgf = 9.80665 N.

Of course, for many purposes either one is close enough.

Note: kgN is not a unit (that I am aware of). Mass is measured in kg (also called kgm for kilogram-mass); force is measured in N (or kgf, for kilogram-force).
 

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