The force of 9.8 newtons (n) corresponds to approximately 1.0000 kilograms (kg) under Earth’s gravity.
Converting newtons to kilograms involves dividing the force by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²) because force equals mass times acceleration (F = m × a). So for 9.8 n, dividing by 9.8 gives the mass in kg.
Conversion Tool
Result in kg:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert newtons to kilograms is mass (kg) = force (N) divided by acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). This comes from Newton’s second law: F = m × a. To find mass, rearrange to m = F / a.
Since gravity accelerates objects at about 9.8 m/s² on Earth, the force in newtons includes this acceleration. So dividing the force by 9.8 gives the equivalent mass in kilograms.
Example:
- Given force: 9.8 N
- Divide by gravity: 9.8 ÷ 9.8 = 1
- Result: 1 kg
Conversion Example
- Convert 19.6 N to kg:
- Start with force: 19.6 N
- Divide by gravity: 19.6 ÷ 9.8 = 2
- Resulting mass is 2 kg
- Convert 4.9 N to kg:
- Force: 4.9 N
- 4.9 ÷ 9.8 = 0.5
- Mass is 0.5 kg
- Convert 0 N to kg:
- Force: 0 N
- 0 ÷ 9.8 = 0
- Mass is 0 kg
- Convert 29.4 N to kg:
- Force: 29.4 N
- 29.4 ÷ 9.8 = 3
- Mass is 3 kg
Conversion Chart
The table below shows forces in newtons from -15.2 to 34.8, with their equivalent masses in kilograms. Negative values indicate forces in opposite direction, which can correspond negative masses in this context.
| Force (N) | Mass (kg) |
|---|---|
| -15.2 | -1.5510 |
| -10.0 | -1.0204 |
| -4.9 | -0.5000 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 4.9 | 0.5000 |
| 9.8 | 1.0000 |
| 15.0 | 1.5306 |
| 20.4 | 2.0816 |
| 25.0 | 2.5510 |
| 30.4 | 3.1020 |
| 34.8 | 3.5510 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How many kilograms does 9.8 newtons equal on Earth?
- What is the mass in kg if the force is 9.8 n?
- Can 9.8 n be converted directly to kilograms without gravity?
- Why does 9.8 newtons correspond to 1 kilogram under Earth’s gravity?
- How to calculate kg from 9.8 n force measurement?
- Is 9.8 newtons always equal to 1 kg on other planets?
- What formula converts 9.8 n force to mass in kilograms?
Conversion Definitions
n (newton): A newton is the SI unit of force, defined as the force required to accelerate a one-kilogram mass by one meter per second squared. It is named after Sir Isaac Newton, and measures force in terms of kg·m/s².
kg (kilogram): A kilogram is the SI base unit of mass, equal to the mass of the international prototype kilogram kept in France. It quantifies the amount of matter in an object, independent of gravity or location.
Conversion FAQs
Does the conversion from newtons to kilograms change with location?
Yes, because newtons measure force which depends on acceleration. On other planets with different gravity, the same force value corresponds to different masses in kilograms. The formula divides by local gravity, so 9.8 N equals 1 kg only on Earth.
Why can’t we convert newtons to kilograms without knowing gravity?
Newtons are force units, kilograms are mass units. Since force depends on mass times acceleration, without acceleration (gravity), you can’t find mass from force. Gravity provides acceleration, so it’s necessary for conversion.
Is the conversion exact for all masses and forces?
The conversion between newtons and kilograms assumes constant gravity at 9.8 m/s². Small variations in gravity due to altitude or location cause minor differences, so the conversion is approximate but accurate enough for most uses.
How does weight relate to newtons and kilograms?
Weight is the force due to gravity on a mass, measured in newtons. Mass is measured in kilograms. Weight (N) = mass (kg) × gravity (m/s²). So converting weight to mass requires dividing weight by gravity.
Can negative newton values convert to negative kilograms?
Negative newtons represent force direction, not mass. Mass cannot be negative physically. Negative force means direction opposite to defined positive direction; converting negative newtons to kilograms mathematically results in negative values, but physically mass remains positive.