Convert poundal [pdl] to piconewton [pN] Online | Free force Converter

Poundal [pdl]

The poundal is a unit of force in the foot-pound-second (FPS) system, mainly used in the United States.

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  It is defined as the force required to accelerate a one-pound mass by one foot per second squared.

  
  
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  Mathematically:

  
  

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  The poundal is smaller than the pound-force since Earth's gravity accelerates a pound mass at approximately 32.174 ft/s², making:

  
  

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  It is mostly of historical interest and rarely used in modern engineering but can appear in classical mechanics problems using the FPS system.

Piconewton [pN]

Piconewton is a very tiny unit of force in the International System of Units (SI).

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  1 piconewton (pN) equals $10^{-12}$ newtons (0.000000000001 newton).

  
  
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  It is commonly used in molecular biology, biophysics, and nanotechnology to measure forces at the molecular or atomic scale.

  
  
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  To put it in perspective:

  
  

Piconewtons allow scientists to quantify incredibly small forces, such as those involved in DNA stretching or molecular interactions.