newton

Everyday

1. In science, a newton is the unit used to measure force; its symbol is N. tree →
2. Isaac Newton was a famous English scientist who explained gravity and the laws of motion. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, forces are measured in newtons using a forcemeter (newton meter); an apple weighs about 1 newton. On Earth, 1 kg has a weight of about 10 N. Pupils learn about Newton and the falling apple story. Phrases: newton meter, measured in newtons, Newton's laws.

Examples

• Force is measured in newtons. tree →
• The forcemeter showed 5 newtons. tree →
• A small apple weighs about 1 newton. tree →
• On Earth, a 3 kg bag has a weight of about 30 N. tree →
• Isaac Newton explained why things fall to the ground. tree →
• The pull of 20 N and the push of 20 N are balanced. tree →
• We learned Newton's laws of motion in science. tree →

Note

The unit is written in lower case (newton) but its symbol is a capital N. The scientist's name has a capital: Newton. Weight is a force in newtons; mass is in kilograms — a common confusion. Mass (kg) × about 10 = weight (N) on Earth. The apple falling on Newton's head is mostly a story.