How Do You Convert KN/m2 to Kg/m2?


Quick Answer

To convert kN/m2 to kg/m2, multiply by approximately 102 seconds squared per meter, which is 1000/9.8 seconds squared per meter. The conversion of units of force, such as kilonewtons, to units of mass, such as kilograms, assumes that the mass is subject to an acceleration, most often the acceleration of gravity, which is typically around 9.8 meters per second near the earth's surface. However, the precise figure can vary slightly with location.

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Full Answer

  1. Convert from kilonewtons to newtons by multiplying by 1000

    Given a starting unit in kN, or kilonewtons, multiply by 1000 to get the corresponding number of newtons. One newton is a kilogram meter per second squared, and a kilonewton is 1000 kilogram meters per second squared.

  2. Divide the result by 9.8 meters per second squared

    According to Newton's second law, F=ma, which is to say that force is the product of mass and acceleration. This can be algebraically rearranged to m = F/a, or mass equals force divided by acceleration. The precise acceleration due to gravity varies with latitude, altitude and local geology.

  3. Double-check that the units make sense

    When a newton, or kilogram meter per second squared, is multiplied by a second squared per meter, the reciprocal of acceleration, the seconds and meters cancel out, and only the kilogram term is left. Since the per square meter quotient of the original is unchanged, the answer is expressed in the desired units.

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