Date: Thu, 18 Feb 1999 10:27:07 -0800
From: "David L. Porter" <dlporter@marin.k12.ca.us>
To: Pinhole Listserv <pinhole@exploratorium.edu>
Subject: Re: converting grams to newtons
Amy,
Because Newtons = Mass (kg) x Accelleration (m/s^2) and since the accelleration
acting on an object hung from a spring scale is that due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2),
you can convert from kilograms to newtons by multiplying the mass by 9.8. To
convert from grams multiply the grams reading by 9.8 x 10^-3. (Or just round 9.8
up to 10 and multiply by .01 to make it simpler.) It won't matter, however,
whether your students are hanging objects from the spring scale or dragging them
over a surface the conversion factor doesn't change. If the scale reads 3 grams
when pulling a block of wood, the force is the same as if a 3 gram object were
hanging, being pulled down with the force of gravity.
David