Which unit is used to measure force?

Which unit is used to measure force?

• A. Joule (J)
• B. Watt (W)
• C. Pascal (Pa)
• D. Newton (N)

Answer: (D)

Think about what force does—it's what changes an object's motion. In SI units, force is measured in Newtons. A Newton is defined as the force that gives a one-kilogram mass an acceleration of one meter per second squared. This ties together mass, acceleration, and force, which is why the Newton is the natural unit for measuring force. To place it in context, Joule is a unit of energy (work done), and a Joule equals one Newton-meter. Watt is a unit of power (how quickly work is done), equal to one Joule per second. Pascal is a unit of pressure (force per area), equal to one Newton per square meter. So the only unit that measures force itself is the Newton.

Think about what force does—it's what changes an object's motion. In SI units, force is measured in Newtons. A Newton is defined as the force that gives a one-kilogram mass an acceleration of one meter per second squared. This ties together mass, acceleration, and force, which is why the Newton is the natural unit for measuring force.

To place it in context, Joule is a unit of energy (work done), and a Joule equals one Newton-meter. Watt is a unit of power (how quickly work is done), equal to one Joule per second. Pascal is a unit of pressure (force per area), equal to one Newton per square meter. So the only unit that measures force itself is the Newton.