Kilogram-force

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A kilogram-force (kgf) is a unit of force that will accelerate 1 kilogram of mass at 9.80665 m/s2, the standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth's surface (referred to as gn).[1] The kilogram-force is often referred to as the kilopond (kp).[note 1]

Since a newton is defined[2][3] as the force that will accelerate 1 kilogram of mass at 1 m/s2, and acceleration is proportional to force, one kilogram-force is therefore equal to 9.80665 newtons.[4] It is also equal to 2.20462 pounds-force.

The kilogram-force was not very well defined until the 3rd General Conference on Weights and Measures (Conférence Générale des Poids et Mesures, CGPM) defined gn, the standard gravity, to be 9.80665 m/s2 in 1901.[5] Although it was once widely used, it has never been part of the International System of Units (SI) introduced in 1960 by the 11th GCPM.[6]

The kilogram-force is still used to some extent in a few countries, but it is generally considered to be obsolete in most countries.

Equivalent units of force

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Another name for a kilogram-force. Not to be confused with "kilopounds", meaning 1,000 pounds of mass.
  2. A non-SI unit of force equal to 1,000 pound-force.

References