<h2>Units of Force</h2>
<p>\({\mathbf{\text{F}}}_{\text{net}}=m\mathbf{\text{a}}\) is used to define the units of force in terms of the three basic units for mass, length, and time.</p>
<p>The SI unit of force is called the <strong>newton</strong> (abbreviated N) and is the force needed to accelerate a 1-kg system at the rate of \(1{\text{m/s}}^{2}\). That is, since \({\mathbf{\text{F}}}_{\text{net}}=m\mathbf{\text{a}}\),</p>
<div>\(\text{1 N}=\text{1 kg}\cdot {\text{m/s}}^{2}.\)</div>
<p>While almost the entire world uses the newton for the unit of force, in the United States the most familiar unit of force is the pound (lb), where 1 N = 0.225 lb.</p>

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Units of Force

Physics is a science discipline concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Physics topics include mechanics, heat, light and radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, the structure of atoms, and so on.

Physics

Discover the development of the force concept, explore Newton&#8217;s first, second, and third laws of motion, and learn about problem-solving strategies and further applications in this tutorial on dynamics and the four basic forces.


Force and Newton's Laws of Motion

Development of Force Concept

Extended Topic: The Four Basic Forces—An Introduction

Further Applications of Newton’s Laws of Motion

Newton’s First Law of Motion: Inertia

Newton’s Second Law of Motion: Concept of a System

Newton’s Third Law of Motion: Symmetry in Forces

Normal; Tension; and Other Examples of Forces

Problem-Solving Strategies

Units of Force

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