attonewton [aN] Unit Converter

Definition of attonewton [aN] unit

An attonewton (aN) is a unit of force in the International System of Units (SI), equal to 10−18 newtons. It represents an extraordinarily small force, one quintillionth of a newton in magnitude.

History of attonewton [aN] unit

The attonewton was established through the SI prefix system, where “atto-” denotes a factor of 10−18. The prefix was formally adopted in 1964 by the 12th General Conference on Weights and Measures, joining prefixes created to describe extremely small or large quantities. It derives from the Danish word atten, meaning eighteen, and follows scientific naming conventions based on powers of ten. Although the newton itself honors physicist Isaac Newton, the attonewton is not a separate measurement system; it is simply a decimal subdivision of the SI force unit.

Applications of attonewton [aN] unit

Attonewtons are used when describing forces in nanotechnology, atomic physics, and precision measurements involving individual atoms, molecules, or electrons. Researchers may express forces measured by atomic-force microscopes, optical or magnetic traps, and molecular motors in attonewtons. The unit is especially useful for comparing nanoscale interactions, although femtonewtons or piconewtons are more common in many laboratory reports.

Complete list of attonewton [aN] unit conversion