The force of 9.8 newtons (n) is equivalent to approximately 1.0 kilograms (kg) of mass under Earth’s gravity.
Since newtons measure force and kilograms measure mass, converting between them involves dividing the force by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). So 9.8 n divided by 9.8 m/s² gives about 1 kg.
Conversion Tool
Result in kg:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert force in newtons (n) to mass in kilograms (kg) is:
Mass (kg) = Force (n) ÷ Acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²)
Force is the product of mass and acceleration. Earth’s gravity accelerates objects at about 9.8 meters per second squared. So dividing the force by gravity gives the mass causing that force.
Example:
- Given force: 9.8 n
- Divide by gravity: 9.8 n ÷ 9.8 m/s² = 1 kg
Conversion Example
- Force: 19.6 n
- Step 1: Use formula: Mass = Force ÷ Gravity
- Step 2: 19.6 n ÷ 9.8 m/s² = 2 kg
- Explanation: The force is twice 9.8 newtons, so the mass is twice 1 kilogram.
- Force: 4.9 n
- Step 1: Mass = 4.9 n ÷ 9.8 m/s²
- Step 2: Result is 0.5 kg
- Explanation: Half of 9.8 newtons corresponds to half a kilogram.
- Force: 29.4 n
- Step 1: Mass = 29.4 ÷ 9.8
- Step 2: Mass equals 3 kg
- Explanation: The force is three times 9.8 newtons, so the mass is 3 kilograms.
Conversion Chart
| Force (n) | Mass (kg) |
|---|---|
| -15.2 | -1.5510 |
| -10.0 | -1.0204 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 5.0 | 0.5102 |
| 9.8 | 1.0000 |
| 15.4 | 1.5714 |
| 20.0 | 2.0408 |
| 25.7 | 2.6224 |
| 30.0 | 3.0612 |
| 34.8 | 3.5510 |
The chart shows force values in newtons and their equivalent mass in kilograms, calculated by dividing each force by 9.8. You can use it quickly find the mass that corresponds to a specific force.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many kilograms correspond to 9.8 newtons of force?
- What is the mass equivalent of a 9.8 n force on Earth?
- Can you convert 9.8 n to kg without using gravity?
- Why does 9.8 newtons equal about 1 kilogram?
- How to calculate kg from newtons when force is 9.8 n?
- Is 9.8 n the force of a 1 kg mass under gravity?
- What formula do I use to change 9.8 n to kilograms?
Conversion Definitions
n (newton): The newton is the SI unit of force, defined as the force needed to accelerate a 1-kilogram mass by 1 meter per second squared. It quantifies the push or pull on objects causing motion or deformation in mechanical contexts.
kg (kilogram): The kilogram is the SI base unit of mass, representing the amount of matter in an object. One kilogram is equal to the mass of the International Prototype Kilogram and is used worldwide for measuring weight and mass.
Conversion FAQs
Can the conversion between newtons and kilograms vary on other planets?
Yes, because the conversion depends on gravity, which differs between planets. Earth’s gravity is about 9.8 m/s², but on the Moon, it’s about 1.62 m/s², so the same force in newtons would convert to a different mass in kilograms there.
Why do negative force values give negative mass in the chart?
Negative force values indicate direction opposite to the assumed positive direction. While mass cannot be negative, the calculation shows negative values mathematically. Physically, mass remains positive; negative force means force applied in the reverse direction.
Is it accurate to convert newtons directly to kilograms without considering gravity?
No, because newtons measure force, and kilograms measure mass. Without accounting for local gravitational acceleration, the conversion won’t represent the actual mass related to that force.
How precise is the conversion using 9.8 m/s² as gravity?
The value 9.8 m/s² is an average for Earth’s surface. Local gravity varies slightly depending on altitude and location, so the conversion is approximate, accurate enough for most practical uses but not exact in all places.
Does the conversion formula apply for forces other than weight?
No, the formula specifically relates weight (a force due to gravity) to mass. Other forces acting on an object, like friction or tension, don’t convert directly to mass using this formula.