The discussion centers on calculating mass from weight using different gravitational constants. The weight of the object is given as 8 pounds, and the user is confused about whether to use 386.4 (gravity in inches) or 32.2 (gravity in feet) for the calculation. The correct approach is to convert the weight to mass using the formula m = W/g, where W is the weight in pounds and g is the gravitational constant. The consensus is that the user should convert all measurements to feet to maintain consistency, thus using 32.2 for the calculation.
PREREQUISITESStudents in physics or engineering courses, particularly those studying dynamics, mechanics, or anyone needing clarification on weight and mass calculations in different unit systems.
From what I gather on the basis of what you say, the weight of the mass is 8 pounds.edgarpokemon said:The mass had 8 pounds, and the spring constant was in inches, the measurements in inches. To find the weight, was i suppose to use 8/(386.4) or 8/(32.2)? the 386.4 is the value of gravity but in inches
sorry, i meant that the weight was 8 pounds. We were suppose to find the mass by dividing the weight by gravity or W/g.kuruman said:From what I gather on the basis of what you say, the weight of the mass is 8 pounds.
As far as I am aware, from dim recollection and a little web browsing, one pound force = one pound mass * g. So if the weight was 8 lb force then the mass was 8 lb mass.edgarpokemon said:sorry, i meant that the weight was 8 pounds. We were suppose to find the mass by dividing the weight by gravity or W/g.
right, sorry i meant slugs. well the problem had measurements in inches and the spring constant was inches, so is it correct find the slugs by using gravity but in inches? so 8/386.4?TomHart said:Or you could convert pounds to wretched slugs: m = w/g = 8/32.2 = 0.249 slugs
I think you need to state the whole problem, word for word.edgarpokemon said:right, sorry i meant slugs. well the problem had measurements in inches and the spring constant was inches, so is it correct find the slugs by using gravity but in inches? so 8/386.4?
I found this using Google: "A slug is defined as the mass that is accelerated by 1 ft/s2 when a force of one pound (lbf) is exerted on it."edgarpokemon said:right, sorry i meant slugs. well the problem had measurements in inches and the spring constant was inches, so is it correct find the slugs by using gravity but in inches? so 8/386.4?