Newton to Kilonewton Converter

A newton (N) is the SI base unit of force, defined as the force required to accelerate a mass of one kilogram at a rate of one meter per second squared. It represents the fundamental measure of force in the International System of Units.

The newton was named after Sir Isaac Newton in 1946 and adopted as the SI unit of force in 1960. It replaced various regional force units and provided a unified measure based on fundamental physical principles, directly relating force to mass and acceleration.

Newtons are universally used in scientific calculations, engineering applications, physics education, and force measurements. They're fundamental to all force calculations in science and engineering, from molecular forces to mechanical systems, and are the basis for all other force units.

A kilonewton (kN) is a unit of force equal to one thousand newtons. It represents moderate to large forces commonly encountered in structural engineering, mechanical systems, and industrial applications.

The kilonewton became important with the growth of modern engineering and construction in the 20th century. It provided a convenient scale for structural calculations, mechanical design, and industrial applications where forces regularly exceeded hundreds of newtons.

Kilonewtons are extensively used in structural engineering, mechanical design, construction, and materials testing. They're standard for building load calculations, crane capacities, material strength specifications, and mechanical system force ratings.