Convert Attonewtons to Kilogram-Force
Convert Attonewtons (aN) to Kilogram-Force (kgf) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
kgf = aN × 1.019716213e-19
About Attonewtons
An attonewton (aN) is 10⁻¹⁸ N - the force scale of individual photon recoil and quantum vacuum effects. The thermal noise floor of an AFM cantilever at room temperature is ~1-10 aN/√Hz. A 532 nm photon absorbed by a trapped ion imparts ~0.3 aN of recoil. Casimir forces between conducting surfaces 10-100 nm apart are 1-100 aN. NEMS resonators have demonstrated force sensitivity below 1 aN/√Hz, enabling single-molecule adsorption detection. Optomechanical cavities probe radiation pressure at the attonewton scale to test quantum measurement limits. 1 aN = 10⁻¹⁸ N.
About Kilogram-Force
The kilogram-force (kgf), also called the kilopond (kp), is the gravitational force on 1 kg under standard gravity - exactly 9.80665 N. It was the primary force unit in continental European engineering before SI. ISO 1000 (1973) and EU Directive 80/181/EEC deprecated it in favour of the newton. Spring and bathroom scales reading in 'kg' technically measure kgf. Older DIN and JIS materials standards give tensile strength in kgf/mm² (× 9.80665 = MPa). Hydraulic cylinder ratings in legacy European machinery use kgf or tonne-force. 1 kgf = 9.80665 N = 2.20462 lbf.
Quick Reference Table
| Attonewtons (aN) | Kilogram-Force (kgf) |
|---|---|
| 1 aN | 1.02 × 10-19 kgf |
| 2 aN | 2.039 × 10-19 kgf |
| 5 aN | 5.099 × 10-19 kgf |
| 10 aN | 1.02 × 10-18 kgf |
| 25 aN | 2.549 × 10-18 kgf |
| 50 aN | 5.099 × 10-18 kgf |
| 100 aN | 1.02 × 10-17 kgf |