Converting Slugs to Newtons: A Quick Guide for Solving Physics Problems

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To convert a mass of 20 slugs to Newtons, multiply by the conversion factor of 14.59 kg per slug and the acceleration due to gravity (9.80 m/s²), resulting in approximately 2859.64 N. A slug is a unit of mass, while the pound is a unit of force, which can lead to confusion in calculations. In the British Engineering System, the weight of a 1 slug mass is calculated as 32 pounds using the formula W=mg with gravity at 32 ft/s². Proper understanding of these conversions is crucial for solving physics problems accurately. Missteps in unit conversion can lead to incorrect answers, emphasizing the importance of clarity in physics education.
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I am working a Physics problem where the mass is given as 20 slugs. To obtain Newtons can I just multiply 20 slugs x (14.59 kg/1 slug) x 9.80 m/s^2 = 2859.64N?
 
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Yes, that's right ! :smile:

Make sure it is the mass that is described as 20 slugs, because slug is also a unit of force itself ! :eek:
 
Careful. Since a slug is a unit of mass, not force, you can't "convert" slugs to Newtons. But if you are trying to find the weight of a 20 slug mass, then you are fine. (Your conversion of slugs to kilograms is correct.)
 
So is the mass of a slug 1lb.? And if so, to obtain (mass x gravity) in the U.S. Customary System would it just be 1 x 32 ft/sec^2 to obtain its weight?
 
Mitchell said:
So is the mass of a slug 1lb.? And if so, to obtain (mass x gravity) in the U.S. Customary System would it just be 1 x 32 ft/sec^2 to obtain its weight?
In the "British Engineering" System, the unit of mass is the slug and the unit of force is the pound. (Yes, sometimes the pound is also used as a unit of mass--but in my opinion, this is a bad idea in a physics course. 1 pound mass = 0.45359237 kg) The weight of a 1 slug mass is given by W=mg = (1 slug) (32 ft/s^2) = 32 pounds (approximately) as you noted.
 
Thank you. It's very confusing but your last explination worked and resulted in a correct answer. I hate it when I get the Free body diagrams right, setting up the 2 equations with two unknowns right, and missing the correct answer due to conversion errors. Again...thank you for your help.
 
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