centimeter/square second Unit Converter

Definition of centimeter/square second unit

Centimeter per square second (cm/s²) is a unit of acceleration in the centimeter–gram–second (CGS) system. It describes a change in velocity of one centimeter per second occurring during each second.

History of centimeter/square second unit

The unit emerged from the CGS system, developed in the nineteenth century as scientists sought coherent metric measurements based on the centimeter, gram, and second. In that framework, acceleration was expressed as centimeters per second per second, written cm/s². The unit became associated with the gal, defined as one centimeter per second squared, and named after Galileo Galilei. Although the meter per second squared later became the SI standard, the CGS unit remained useful in geophysics, gravimetry, and seismology, where accelerations and gravity variations are reported in gals or milligals.

Applications of centimeter/square second unit

Today, cm/s² is used mainly in scientific and engineering contexts involving the CGS system. Earth scientists report gravitational acceleration anomalies in gals and milligals, while seismologists may describe ground motion using related units. It also appears in laboratory measurements, calibration data, historical technical literature, and educational materials explaining acceleration and unit conversion.

Complete list of centimeter/square second unit conversion