Which unit is used to measure force?

Study for the OSAT Physical Science Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct unit for measuring force is the Newton. A Newton is defined in the International System of Units (SI) as the amount of force required to accelerate a one-kilogram mass by one meter per second squared. This fundamental definition connects force to mass and acceleration, following Newton's second law of motion, which states that force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma).

While pounds are also a unit of force commonly used in the United States, they are not part of the SI system. Joules, on the other hand, measure energy, not force, as it represents the work done when a force is applied over a distance. Meters are a unit of length, used to measure distance rather than force. Thus, the Newton is the appropriate choice when quantifying force in scientific contexts.

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