- #1
jahmookcity
- 2
- 0
Homework Statement
Force, mass, acceleration
Homework Equations
F=ma
The Attempt at a Solution
Hi
I am having a hard time understanding the units of acceleration. Normally I am used to distance/time^2 being the standard unit [ m/s^2 , ft/s^2 ]
Now I am seeing this gravity unit [g] being thrown around. Here are 2 examples of simple calculations that use this unit (note highlighted regions of text)
http://imgur.com/S14dnYS,oB56WXS
http://imgur.com/S14dnYS,oB56WXS#1
**The problem I have is:**
If g represents gravity, shouldn't 1.5g = 1.5*32.2[ft/s^2] or 1.5*9.8[m/s^2]. I like doing all my calculations using consistent units and this [g] unit is throwing me off.
For example:
If you look at yellow highlighted text in the 2nd link above, you will see some person claiming that from F=ma:
F = 600lbm x 1.5g = 900lbf
...I feel like this person is incorrect and the F=ma equation should be:
F = 600lbm x 1.5 x 32.2 ft/s2 = 28,980lbf.