The invention of a Newton, how was it measured back then?

In summary, a Newton is defined as the force needed to accelerate 1 kilogram of mass at the rate of 1 metre per second squared. It was not named after Newton until over 200 years after his death. Newton was not involved in the definition, which was necessary to distinguish between mass and weight. On Earth, the weight of an object is the force that the gravitational field exerts on that mass, which can be calculated by multiplying the mass by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8N). However, it is also true that the mass exerts a force on Earth in the opposite direction (Newton's 3rd law).
  • #1
christian0710
409
9
Hi, so I learned the definition of a Newton which is

Definition of Newton
- 1 Newton is the force needed to accelerate 1 kilogram of mass at the rate of 1 metre per second squared.
- 1N = kg*(m/s^2)

But I'm very curious about one thing
What tools did he use, and how could Newton actually measure the mass multiplied by the acceleration of an object precisely?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Newton did not define the unit named after him. It wasn't named until over 200 years after his death.
 
  • Like
Likes christian0710
  • #3
christian0710 said:
What tools did he use, and how could Newton actually measure the mass multiplied by the acceleration of an object precisely?
Newton was not involved in the definition. The definition was needed in order to separate mass (which is independent of location) and weight (which is dependent on location).
 
  • Like
Likes christian0710
  • #4
Svein said:
Newton was not involved in the definition. The definition was needed in order to separate mass (which is independent of location) and weight (which is dependent on location).

Thank you very much - both of you. A questions comes to mind as you mention this

is it correctly understood that the weight of an object on Earth is the force that the gravitational field exerts on that mass? So if the mass is 10kg then it's weight is 10kg*9,8N = 98Newton? (do you say the gravitational field exerts 9,8N force on a mass, or that the gravitational field makes the mass exert a force of 98Newton?)
 
  • #5
christian0710 said:
Thank you very much - both of you. A questions comes to mind as you mention this

is it correctly understood that the weight of an object on Earth is the force that the gravitational field exerts on that mass? So if the mass is 10kg then it's weight is 10kg*9,8N = 98Newton? (do you say the gravitational field exerts 9,8N force on a mass, or that the gravitational field makes the mass exert a force of 98Newton?)
Both the statements are true - the mass exerts a 98N force on Earth, and the Earth exerts a 98N force on the mass (Newton's 3rd law). It's just that Earth has so much mass that we don't see it move much at all (Newton's second law).
 
  • Like
Likes christian0710

FAQ: The invention of a Newton, how was it measured back then?

1. How did Isaac Newton measure his invention back then?

Isaac Newton's invention, the Newton, was measured using a pendulum. He used a pendulum to measure the force of gravity and then converted it into a unit of measurement, which he called the Newton.

2. What tools did Isaac Newton use to measure his invention?

Aside from a pendulum, Newton also used a balance scale to measure the weight of objects and determine their mass. He also used a telescope to observe and measure the movement of celestial bodies and develop his theories of motion and gravity.

3. How accurate were Newton's measurements compared to modern standards?

Newton's measurements were relatively accurate for his time, but they do not meet the precision and accuracy of modern measurements. With advancements in technology and more precise instruments, we can now measure forces and masses with much greater accuracy.

4. Was the Newton the only unit of force measurement during Newton's time?

No, the Newton was not the only unit of force measurement during Newton's time. Other units, such as the pound-force and dyne, were also used. However, the Newton became the standard unit of force in the modern metric system.

5. How did the invention of the Newton impact the scientific community?

The invention of the Newton had a significant impact on the scientific community. It provided a standard unit of measurement for force, which allowed for more precise and accurate experiments and theories to be developed. It also played a crucial role in the development of classical mechanics and the laws of motion.

Similar threads

Insights How to Apply Newton’s Second Law to Variable Mass Systems
Replies
0
Views
1K
Grams vs. Newtons: Why Do I See Weights Measured in Grams?
Replies
17
Views
9K
I Acceleration in Newton's second law
Replies
4
Views
1K
Understanding Newtons vs Joules - Beginner
Replies
14
Views
3K
Empirical and Definitional Content of Newton's Laws
4
Replies
117
Views
7K
Why is a Newton of force .225 pounds?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Is true force just "accepted" if it satisfies Newton law?
Replies
6
Views
2K
B Confused about force body diagram for 2 body collision
Replies
6
Views
1K
Newton's Law: Mass at Rest vs Falling from 100m
Replies
12
Views
2K
Clarify power calculation
Replies
12
Views
790

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top