Kilonewton (kN)
The kilonewton, symbol kN, equals 1,000 newtons. Engineers and construction professionals use it as a convenient unit for expressing large forces. They often measure the force exerted by vehicles, bridges, and aircraft components in kilonewtons. By using multiples of the newton, they maintain consistency with SI standards while reducing large numbers for practical readability. Civil engineers, aerospace professionals, and structural designers rely on the unit, where accurate force measurement is crucial for ensuring safety and optimal performance.
Newton (N)
In 1948, the General Conference on Weights and Measures designated the newton as the SI unit for measuring force, naming it in recognition of Sir Isaac Newton’s contributions to physics. Defined as the force needed to accelerate a 1-kilogram mass by 1 meter per second squared, the newton connects directly to the basic SI units for mass, distance, and time. It is the standard unit for quantifying force, weight, and pressure in scientific and engineering fields. This clear definition supports consistent international measurement and highlights the newton’s foundational role in science and technology.