I know that this is a very simple question, but I am not really sure about this. If 1 gram force on Earth is $0.001 \;\text{kg} \times 9.8 \;\text{m}\,\text{s}^{-2}$, what would it be on Mars or any other place? Would it be different or the same?
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1$\begingroup$ The $9.8 \, \mathrm{m/s^2}$ is the gravitational acceleration $g$ on Earth's surface. If you Google it for other planets, you can calculate the values. For instance, the moon's gravity is six times weaker causing $g=1.6\,\mathrm{m/s^2}$. $\endgroup$– SteevenCommented Nov 6, 2021 at 13:55
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1$\begingroup$ nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet gives the gravitational acceleration at the surface of each of the planets in the Solar System (and the Moon and Pluto). $\endgroup$– PM 2RingCommented Nov 6, 2021 at 13:56
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$\begingroup$ So the conclusion is 1 gram force varies from place to place. Thanks. $\endgroup$– SolidMarkCommented Nov 6, 2021 at 14:00
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1$\begingroup$ If you want to be really accurate, Force is measured in Newtons, and only mass is measured in grams. The weight of a one gram mass near the surface of the Earth varies a little bit from place to place, but on average, it is 9.8 millinewtons. 1.6 millinewtons on the Moon, 3.7 millinewtons on Mars, etc. $\endgroup$– Solomon SlowCommented Nov 6, 2021 at 14:48
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2$\begingroup$ @David White no. There is this obsolete unit of force called 1 gram force. I am asking if it would be same everywhere. $\endgroup$– SolidMarkCommented Nov 6, 2021 at 20:02
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1 Answer
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It does not change.
A gram force is a unit of force defined as the force that gives a mass of one gram acceleration of one standard gravity ($9.80665 \, \mathrm{m/s^2}$).
It is not specifically the weight of a gram of mass at a specific location. A gram-force is still a gram-force on Mars, or in interstellar space, or on the surface of a neutron star. The amount of force that the unit represents remains the same.
