A force of 1 ounce is equal to how many dynes?
The correct answer and explanation is :
To convert a force of 1 ounce to dynes, we need to use the relationship between these two units of force. First, let’s break down the conversion process.
Step 1: Understanding the Units
- Ounce (oz) is a unit of force commonly used in the United States, derived from the avoirdupois system of weights. One ounce-force is defined as the force exerted by gravity on a 1-ounce mass at the surface of the Earth.
- Dyne is a unit of force in the centimeter-gram-second (CGS) system of units. It is the force required to accelerate a 1-gram mass by 1 centimeter per second squared.
Step 2: Conversion Factors
- 1 ounce (oz) = 1/16 pounds (lbs)
- 1 pound-force = 444,822 dynes
- Therefore, 1 ounce-force = (1/16) * 444,822 dynes = 27,926.375 dynes
Step 3: Conversion Calculation
So, a force of 1 ounce is equivalent to approximately 27,926.375 dynes.
Step 4: Physical Meaning
This conversion is based on the equivalence between different units in the metric and imperial systems. The ounce-force is based on gravitational force at Earth’s surface on a 1-ounce mass, while the dyne is part of the CGS system, which is historically used in physics to express smaller quantities of force. The CGS system has since been largely replaced by the SI (International System of Units) in modern applications, but the dyne is still useful in some contexts.
Step 5: Why This Conversion Matters
The dyne is particularly used in fields such as physics and engineering where precise, smaller-scale measurements of force are necessary. The conversion of ounces to dynes allows for accurate calculations when working with various unit systems, especially in scientific contexts where forces are measured in CGS units.
Thus, 1 ounce-force is equal to 27,926.375 dynes.