What is the Definition of the SI Unit of Force?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition of the SI unit of force, specifically the Newton. Participants explore its relationship to mass and acceleration, as well as its application in different contexts such as weight.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that a Newton is the force required to accelerate 1 kg at 1 g (9.8 m/s²).
  • Another participant challenges this by suggesting that a Newton is defined as the force required to accelerate a 1 kg mass at 1 m/s².
  • A later reply confirms that 1 Newton will indeed accelerate a mass of 1 kg at 1 m/s², while also noting that the kilogram is sometimes used as a measure of weight, equating 1 kg weight to 9.8 Newtons on Earth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of the Newton, with some asserting it relates to 1 g acceleration and others to 1 m/s². The discussion remains unresolved as there is no consensus on the definition.

Contextual Notes

There are potential ambiguities regarding the definitions of force and weight, as well as the context in which the Newton is applied (e.g., on Earth versus in a vacuum).

WingZero
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Hello,




What is the definition for Newton
 
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Its the SI unit of force equal to the force required to accelerate 1kg at 1 g (9.8m/s^2).
 
Is it not the force required to accelerate a 1kg mass at 1m/s^2?

Doug
 
Originally posted by Doug
Is it not the force required to accelerate a 1kg mass at 1m/s^2?

Doug

Yes, 1 Newton of force will accelerate a mass of 1 Kg at 1 m/s^2.

The kilogram is sometimes used as a measure of weight, mostly outside the realm of science; 1 kg weight being equivalent to 9.8 Newtons. As far as SI units go, a mass of 1 kg weighs 9.8 Newtons, Newtons being the SI unit of force/weight. That's on earth, of course.
 
Last edited:

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