newtons

The newton (symbol N) is the SI unit of force. It is defined as the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at a rate of one meter per second squared, i.e., F = ma and 1 N = 1 kg·m/s^2.

Named after Sir Isaac Newton, the unit was adopted by the General Conference on Weights and Measures in 1948 as part of the SI system. In practical terms, the weight of a 1 kg mass on Earth is about 9.81 N. The newton is a convenient unit for everyday forces, and its common conversions include 1 N ≈ 10^5 dynes (CGS) and 1 N ≈ 0.2248 pounds-force (lbf). The relation to energy is that a force of 1 N applied over a displacement of 1 meter performs 1 joule of work.

In SI base units, the newton is a derived unit: 1 N = 1 kg·m/s^2. It is used across physics, engineering, and related disciplines to quantify mechanical forces such as thrust, weight, friction, and tension.