9.8 newtons (n) is equivalent to approximately 1.0 kilograms (kg) of mass under Earth’s gravity.
This conversion involves translating force measured in newtons, which depends on mass and acceleration, back into mass by dividing by acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²). Since 1 newton equals the force exerted by 1 kg under standard gravity, dividing the force by 9.8 gives the mass in kilograms.
Conversion Tool
Result in kg:
Conversion Formula
Force (newtons) is the product of mass (kilograms) and acceleration (meters per second squared), expressed as F = m × a. To find mass from force, rearrange the formula: m = F / a.
Since Earth’s acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s², when converting newtons to kilograms for weight on Earth, divide the force by 9.8.
Example:
- Given force: 9.8 n
- Acceleration due to gravity: 9.8 m/s²
- Mass = Force / acceleration = 9.8 n / 9.8 m/s² = 1 kg
Conversion Example
- Convert 19.6 n to kg:
- Divide 19.6 by 9.8
- 19.6 / 9.8 = 2
- Result: 2 kg
- Convert 4.9 n to kg:
- Divide 4.9 by 9.8
- 4.9 / 9.8 = 0.5
- Result: 0.5 kg
- Convert 29.4 n to kg:
- Divide 29.4 by 9.8
- 29.4 / 9.8 = 3
- Result: 3 kg
- Convert 0 n to kg:
- Divide 0 by 9.8
- 0 / 9.8 = 0
- Result: 0 kg
- Convert -9.8 n to kg:
- Divide -9.8 by 9.8
- -9.8 / 9.8 = -1
- Result: -1 kg (negative sign indicates opposite force direction)
Conversion Chart
| Newtons (n) | Kilograms (kg) |
|---|---|
| -15.2 | -1.5510 |
| -10.0 | -1.0204 |
| -5.5 | -0.5612 |
| 0 | 0.0000 |
| 5.2 | 0.5306 |
| 10.0 | 1.0204 |
| 15.6 | 1.5918 |
| 20.4 | 2.0816 |
| 25.0 | 2.5510 |
| 30.6 | 3.1224 |
| 34.8 | 3.5510 |
To use this chart, find the force value in newtons in the left column, then read across to find the equal mass in kilograms on the right. Values with negative newtons represent forces in opposite direction, resulting in negative mass values conceptually for reference.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many kilograms does 9.8 newtons represent on Earth?
- What is the mass in kg if the force is 9.8 n?
- Can I convert 9.8 n directly to kg without gravity?
- Why does 9.8 n equal approximately 1 kg under standard gravity?
- How to convert 9.8 newtons to kilograms step by step?
- Is 9.8 n always equal to 1 kg?
- What formula converts 9.8 n to kg in physics?
Conversion Definitions
n: Newton (symbol: n) is the SI unit of force, defined as the force needed to accelerate a one-kilogram mass by one meter per second squared. It quantifies the interaction that changes the motion of an object or causes deformation.
kg: Kilogram (symbol: kg) is the SI base unit of mass, representing the quantity of matter contained in an object. Mass remains constant regardless of location, distinguishing it from weight, which is force dependent on gravity.
Conversion FAQs
Can I convert newtons to kilograms on other planets?
Yes, but the conversion depends on the local gravitational acceleration. Since kilograms measure mass and newtons measure force, dividing force by gravity on that planet gives mass. Gravity varies, so 9.8 n would not equal 1 kg everywhere.
Why does the conversion divide by 9.8 exactly?
The 9.8 m/s² is Earth’s approximate standard gravity. Force equals mass times acceleration, so to find mass from force, divide by acceleration. Using 9.8 simplifies converting weights measured in newtons to mass in kilograms on Earth.
What if the force is negative in newtons?
A negative force indicates direction opposite to the chosen positive reference. When converting to kilograms, the negative sign remains, showing the mass equivalent force acts oppositely. Physically mass is positive, but force direction matters in calculations.
Is this conversion valid for dynamic forces?
The conversion applies to weight forces caused by gravity, not for arbitrary forces like friction or tension. Those forces depend on different factors, so dividing by 9.8 won’t give meaningful mass values in such cases.
Does mass change when converted from newtons?
No, mass itself does not change. The conversion from newtons to kilograms calculates the mass that would produce that force under Earth’s gravity. Mass is intrinsic, but weight (force) varies with gravity.