FPS System: Why 1 Slug = 15.59 kg?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Tahira Firdous
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Fps System Units
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that 1 slug is equivalent to 15.59 kg, emphasizing its role in the FPS (Foot-Pound-Second) system where slugs represent mass and pounds represent force. It highlights that while pound-force and pound-mass appear similar under Earth's gravity, they are fundamentally different dimensions. The conversation also critiques the complexity of the imperial system and advocates for a transition to the metric system, which is gaining traction, albeit slowly.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the FPS (Foot-Pound-Second) system
  • Knowledge of the relationship between mass and force
  • Familiarity with gravitational force concepts on Earth
  • Basic grasp of metric versus imperial measurement systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the conversion between slugs and kilograms in detail
  • Explore the implications of using pound-force versus pound-mass
  • Study the advantages of the metric system over the imperial system
  • Learn about the historical context of measurement systems and their evolution
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, engineers, and anyone interested in understanding measurement systems and their applications in real-world scenarios.

Tahira Firdous
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Why 1 slug is equal to 15.59 kg ? In FPS system we use slug as a unit of mass and pounds as a unit of force but sometimes we also use pounds as mass .I know that pound-force and pound-mass are almost equal at Earth's surface . But both these quantities have differelnt dimensions then how can we use it in place of each other and why don't we use slug for mass?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
1 slug is the mass that sees an acceleration of 1 ft/s2 when subject to a force of 1 pound-force. It is the imperial equivalent of "1 kg is accelerated by 1 m/s2 when subject to a force of 1 N".

Tahira Firdous said:
I know that pound-force and pound-mass are almost equal at Earth's surface
They are not equal. 1 pound-mass feels about 1 pound-force as gravitational force on the surface of Earth.
Tahira Firdous said:
and why don't we use slug for mass?
The unit system is overly complicated even without the slug, introducing one more unit doesn't help.
Going metric would be the right thing. The trend is there, it is just very slow.
 

Similar threads

High School What Is Mass and How Is It Defined in Physics?
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
What is the purpose of two units of mass in the Imperial system?
  • · Replies 59 ·
2
Replies
59
Views
8K
High School Calculations relating to a pneumatic launcher
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Undergrad 1:1 versus 2:1 Mechanical Advantage debate
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
905
High School Why is 1 lbm considered equal 1 lbf?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
21K
Graduate What if the actual force for a Newton was different?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Is true force just "accepted" if it satisfies Newton law?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Graduate How much energy dissipated in a nail gun?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
High School The Effect of Linear and Rotational Motion on Measured Weight
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
781
High School What Are the Key Differences Between Mass and Weight?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K