How to Measure Forces The most common way to measure forces is using a simple device called a SPRING SCALE.A Spring Scale is made up of a spring with a hook on the end. To figure out the amount of force acting on the object, you hook it on to the hook on the spring scale. As more force is applied to the hook, the spring stretches further. You can then read the amount of force directly from the Spring Scale.
The spring scale shows the weight of an object in Newtons.
Spring Scales can also measure forces other that weight/gravity. Spring Scales can also measure the force of friction. If you wanted or needed to know how much force you will need to slide something across your desk or table, you can simply attach the spring scale to the object and pull it across the desk or table at a constant speed. By pulling the object across the desk or table, you are measuring the force of friction between the object and the desk.
Calculating the Force of Gravity (Weight)Although Spring Scales are very useful devices, it is good to know how to determine the weight of object without having to use a spring scales.Scientists have discovered that the mass of an object and its weight are directly proportional. We have already learned that 1.0 kg mass on Earth has a weight of 9.8 N, so a 2.0 kg mass on Earth would have a weight of 19.6 N. So, this means that if you multiply any mass by 9.8 N/kg, you get its weight on Earth. This value, 9.8 N/kg is called Earth's Gravitational Field Strength (g).
The formula to calculate the Force of Gravity (Weight) is:
Force of Gravity = (mass of object) x (the strength of Earth's Gravitational Field)or F = mgWhere (m) is the mass in kilograms and (g) is 9.8 N/kg
For more information about gravity, newtons, and how to measure them, watch the video below.
The most common way to measure forces is using a simple device called a SPRING SCALE.A Spring Scale is made up of a spring with a hook on the end. To figure out the amount of force acting on the object, you hook it on to the hook on the spring scale. As more force is applied to the hook, the spring stretches further. You can then read the amount of force directly from the Spring Scale.
Spring Scales can also measure forces other that weight/gravity. Spring Scales can also measure the force of friction. If you wanted or needed to know how much force you will need to slide something across your desk or table, you can simply attach the spring scale to the object and pull it across the desk or table at a constant speed. By pulling the object across the desk or table, you are measuring the force of friction between the object and the desk.
Calculating the Force of Gravity (Weight)Although Spring Scales are very useful devices, it is good to know how to determine the weight of object without having to use a spring scales.Scientists have discovered that the mass of an object and its weight are directly proportional.We have already learned that 1.0 kg mass on Earth has a weight of 9.8 N, so a 2.0 kg mass on Earth would have a weight of 19.6 N.
So, this means that if you multiply any mass by 9.8 N/kg, you get its weight on Earth. This value, 9.8 N/kg is called Earth's Gravitational Field Strength (g).
The formula to calculate the Force of Gravity (Weight) is:
Force of Gravity = (mass of object) x (the strength of Earth's Gravitational Field)or
F = mgWhere (m) is the mass in kilograms and (g) is 9.8 N/kg
For more information about gravity, newtons, and how to measure them, watch the video below.
Go to Home Page