We all know who Isaac Newton is, and it was his research that led to the establishment of the popular formula F = ma representing the acceleration and mass of an object when force is applied. While students can check the article on the force in detail, here, we will learn about the unit of force. Well, force is one of the quantities like pressure or energy, so it has or is measured in a unit. However, force units can be different based on different systems of measurement. Let’s get into the details.
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If we consider the physical dimensions, force is mostly measured by MLT-2. If we take things practically, the weight of an object is mostly taken into consideration instead of its mass. Therefore, the basic unit of force can be given as,
F = (W/g)LT-2 |
where W represents the weight whereas g represents the acceleration.
The unit is also classified into two systems called the gravitational system and the absolute system. When force is measured in the absolute system, it is independent of any gravitational force. On the other hand, when force is measured in the gravitational system, it is dependent on gravitational forces. Apart from that, there are a few other ways we can express the unit of measurement of force.
SI Unit of Force
Internationally, many prefer to use a single system called SI unit for measuring force. The SI unit recognized for the measurement of force is Newton.
SI Unit of force (F) = (Kg).(m/s2)
= (Kg m/s2)
This SI unit is termed ‘Newton’ (Kg m/s2).
For your reference, in the table below, we have provided the SI unit of energy and power.
Unit of Energy | Unit of Power |
Other Units of Force
When a mass is subjected to an acceleration, the force applied is called poundal and is depicted as pdl. Then we have the pound-force which is basically a gravitational unit of force. It is denoted as lbf. These are the units of measurement in the FPS system.
In the metric system, the force is measured in kilogram and is denoted by symbol kgf. However, there are also smaller measures called the cgs system. When we talk about the CGS unit of force, it is measured in dynes and is denoted as gf.
Read More: Physical Dimensions
Converting the Units Of Force
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is the CGS unit of force?
The CGS unit of force is dyne.
What is the SI unit of force?
The SI unit of force is Newton.
Give the formula to represent the basic unit of force.
How is force measured
How is force measured in the metric system?
In the metric system, force is measured in kilograms and is denoted by the symbol kgf.