Convert piconewton to kilogram-force
Please provide values below to convert piconewton [pN] to kilogram-force [kgf], or Convert kilogram-force to piconewton.
How to Convert Piconewton to Kilogram-Force
1 pN = 1.01971621297793e-13 kgf
Example: convert 15 pN to kgf:
15 pN = 15 × 1.01971621297793e-13 kgf = 1.52957431946689e-12 kgf
Piconewton to Kilogram-Force Conversion Table
| piconewton | kilogram-force |
|---|
Piconewton
A piconewton (pN) is a unit of force equal to one trillionth (10^-12) of a newton.
History/Origin
The piconewton was introduced as part of the SI prefixes to measure very small forces, especially in fields like biophysics and nanotechnology, where forces at the molecular or atomic scale are relevant.
Current Use
The piconewton is commonly used in scientific research to quantify tiny forces, such as those exerted by molecular motors, DNA stretching experiments, and nanoscale measurements.
Kilogram-Force
Kilogram-force (kgf) is a unit of force defined as the force exerted by one kilogram of mass in standard gravity, approximately equal to 9.80665 newtons.
History/Origin
The kilogram-force was historically used in engineering and physics to express forces in terms of the mass unit kilogram and the acceleration due to gravity. It was more common before the widespread adoption of the newton as the standard SI unit of force.
Current Use
Kilogram-force is largely obsolete in scientific contexts and has been replaced by the newton in the International System of Units (SI). However, it may still be encountered in certain engineering fields or older documentation, especially in regions or industries that use customary units.