Femtonewton Converter
Convert Femtonewton to Newton and more • 33 conversions
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Unit Explanations
FemtonewtonfN
Source UnitA femtonewton (fN) is a sub-unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) and represents one quadrillionth of a newton. The newton, the SI unit of force, is defined as the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram by one meter per second squared. Therefore, a femtonewton can be described as the force needed to accelerate a mass of 1 kg at a rate of 10^-15 m/s². This minuscule unit is particularly useful in fields where tiny forces are of interest, such as in molecular biology, nanotechnology, and materials science. In practical terms, a femtonewton is a force so small that it is typically encountered at the atomic or molecular level, highlighting the sensitivity required in modern scientific measurements.
Current Use
The femtonewton is primarily utilized in advanced scientific research, particularly in fields such as nanotechnology, molecular biology, and materials science. In nanotechnology, researchers use femtonewtons to measure the forces that act on nanoscale materials, which are critical for the development of nanomachines and devices. In molecular biology, femtonewtons are employed to understand the forces involved in protein folding, DNA interactions, and the binding forces between ligands and receptors. The ability to measure such minute forces is essential for advancing our understanding of biochemical processes and interactions. Countries leading in the application of femtonewtons include the United States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, where cutting-edge research facilities and laboratories are equipped with high-precision instruments capable of detecting forces at this scale. The applications extend to medical devices, where understanding the forces at the cellular level can lead to innovations in drug delivery systems and cancer treatment.
Fun Fact
The femtonewton is so small that it can be compared to the weight of a single red blood cell, which exerts a force of approximately 5 femtonewtons.
NewtonN
Target UnitThe newton (symbol: N) is the SI unit of force, named after Sir Isaac Newton in recognition of his work in classical mechanics. It is defined as the amount of force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram (1 kg) at a rate of one meter per second squared (1 m/s²). This relationship is mathematically expressed by Newton's second law of motion, F = ma, where 'F' represents force in newtons, 'm' is mass in kilograms, and 'a' is acceleration in meters per second squared. The newton is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI), and it encompasses the measurement of both force and weight, providing a standard for scientific and engineering calculations.
Current Use
Today, the newton is widely used across various industries and scientific disciplines. In physics, it provides a standard measurement for force, enabling consistent calculations in mechanics. Engineering fields, particularly mechanical and civil engineering, utilize newtons for designing structures and systems that can withstand forces like tension, compression, and shear. The automotive industry uses newtons to evaluate forces acting on vehicles during crashes or performance tests. In the field of robotics, newtons help in the precise calculation of forces required for movement and manipulation. Countries that adhere to the International System of Units, particularly those in Europe, Asia, and many parts of Africa and South America, use the newton in scientific research, education, and industry. The newton is also utilized in aerospace for calculating thrust and lift forces, ensuring safety and efficiency in flight.
Fun Fact
The newton is equivalent to 0.225 pounds-force, illustrating the differences between metric and imperial systems.
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= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
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Femtonewton
force • Non-SI
Definition
A femtonewton (fN) is a sub-unit of force in the International System of Units (SI) and represents one quadrillionth of a newton. The newton, the SI unit of force, is defined as the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram by one meter per second squared. Therefore, a femtonewton can be described as the force needed to accelerate a mass of 1 kg at a rate of 10^-15 m/s². This minuscule unit is particularly useful in fields where tiny forces are of interest, such as in molecular biology, nanotechnology, and materials science. In practical terms, a femtonewton is a force so small that it is typically encountered at the atomic or molecular level, highlighting the sensitivity required in modern scientific measurements.
History & Origin
The concept of force has been integral to physics since the time of Sir Isaac Newton, who formulated the laws of motion in the 17th century. The newton, as a unit of force, was adopted in 1889 during the 1st General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM). As the need for measuring extremely small forces grew with advancements in technology, particularly in microscopic and nanoscale research, the femtonewton was introduced as a practical subunit of the newton. It enables precise force measurements in the realms of atomic and molecular physics, where forces are often on the order of piconewtons and femtonewtons, allowing scientists to quantify interactions at an extremely small scale.
Etymology: The term 'femtonewton' combines the prefix 'femto-', derived from the Danish word 'femten' meaning 'fifteen', signifying a factor of 10^-15, with 'newton', named after Sir Isaac Newton.
Current Use
The femtonewton is primarily utilized in advanced scientific research, particularly in fields such as nanotechnology, molecular biology, and materials science. In nanotechnology, researchers use femtonewtons to measure the forces that act on nanoscale materials, which are critical for the development of nanomachines and devices. In molecular biology, femtonewtons are employed to understand the forces involved in protein folding, DNA interactions, and the binding forces between ligands and receptors. The ability to measure such minute forces is essential for advancing our understanding of biochemical processes and interactions. Countries leading in the application of femtonewtons include the United States, Germany, Japan, and South Korea, where cutting-edge research facilities and laboratories are equipped with high-precision instruments capable of detecting forces at this scale. The applications extend to medical devices, where understanding the forces at the cellular level can lead to innovations in drug delivery systems and cancer treatment.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The femtonewton is so small that it can be compared to the weight of a single red blood cell, which exerts a force of approximately 5 femtonewtons.
- •In atomic force microscopy, the forces measured can be as small as 1 femtonewton, allowing scientists to visualize structures at the nanoscale.
- •The prefix 'femto-' is used in various scientific contexts, not just for force, but also for measuring time (femtoseconds) and energy (femtojoules).
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Newton
force • SI Unit
Definition
The newton (symbol: N) is the SI unit of force, named after Sir Isaac Newton in recognition of his work in classical mechanics. It is defined as the amount of force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram (1 kg) at a rate of one meter per second squared (1 m/s²). This relationship is mathematically expressed by Newton's second law of motion, F = ma, where 'F' represents force in newtons, 'm' is mass in kilograms, and 'a' is acceleration in meters per second squared. The newton is a derived unit in the International System of Units (SI), and it encompasses the measurement of both force and weight, providing a standard for scientific and engineering calculations.
History & Origin
The newton was introduced as a unit of force in 1948 at the 9th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) as part of the International System of Units (SI). This was done to standardize measurements internationally and to honor Sir Isaac Newton's foundational contributions to physics. Newton's work laid the groundwork for classical mechanics, particularly his laws of motion which are crucial to understanding force and its applications in various fields. The adoption of the newton helped facilitate a universal language in scientific discourse, allowing for more accurate communication and collaboration across different disciplines.
Etymology: The term 'newton' is derived from the name of Sir Isaac Newton, the renowned English mathematician, physicist, and astronomer, who is widely recognized for formulating the laws of motion and universal gravitation.
Current Use
Today, the newton is widely used across various industries and scientific disciplines. In physics, it provides a standard measurement for force, enabling consistent calculations in mechanics. Engineering fields, particularly mechanical and civil engineering, utilize newtons for designing structures and systems that can withstand forces like tension, compression, and shear. The automotive industry uses newtons to evaluate forces acting on vehicles during crashes or performance tests. In the field of robotics, newtons help in the precise calculation of forces required for movement and manipulation. Countries that adhere to the International System of Units, particularly those in Europe, Asia, and many parts of Africa and South America, use the newton in scientific research, education, and industry. The newton is also utilized in aerospace for calculating thrust and lift forces, ensuring safety and efficiency in flight.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The newton is equivalent to 0.225 pounds-force, illustrating the differences between metric and imperial systems.
- •A force of one newton is roughly the weight of a medium-sized apple.
- •In space, where gravity is negligible, the newton can still be used to measure forces exerted by spacecraft engines.
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