Convert Centimetres per second squared to Gal

Convert Centimetres per second squared (cm/s²) to Gal (Gal) instantly and accurately.

Conversion Formula

Gal = cm/s² × 1

About Centimetres per second squared

The centimetre per second squared (cm/s²) is the CGS coherent unit of acceleration, numerically identical to the Gal (1 cm/s² = 1 Gal = 0.01 m/s²). In the CGS system, Newton's second law reads F [dyn] = m [g] × a [cm/s²]. Strong-motion seismology records earthquake accelerograms in cm/s²: the 1940 El Centro earthquake reached a peak ground acceleration of 341 cm/s² ≈ 0.35 g₀. Japan's JMA shindo 7 (structural collapse) threshold is above 400 cm/s². 1 cm/s² = 0.01 m/s² = 1 Gal ≈ 1.02 × 10⁻³ g₀.

About Gal

The gal (Gal) equals 1 cm/s² = 0.01 m/s², named after Galileo Galilei in recognition of his free-fall experiments. Earth's surface gravity is approximately 980 Gal; the GRS80 normal gravity formula gives 978.03 Gal at the equator and 983.22 Gal at the poles. The BIPM SI Brochure recognises the Gal as a non-SI unit accepted in geophysics. 1 Gal = 0.01 m/s² = 1 cm/s² = 1000 mGal ≈ 1.02 × 10⁻³ g₀.

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