Slug (unit)

slug
Unit systemBritish Gravitational system
Unit ofMass
Symbolslug
Conversions
1 slug in ...... is equal to ...
   BGS base units   1 ft−1⋅lbf⋅s2
   SI units   14.59390 kg
   US customary units   32.17404 lb

The slug is a derived unit of mass in a weight-based system of measures, most notably within the British Imperial measurement system and the United States customary measures system. Systems of measure either define mass and derive a force unit or define a base force and derive a mass unit[1] (cf. poundal, a derived unit of force in a mass-based system). A slug is defined as a mass that is accelerated by 1 ft/s2 when a net force of one pound (lbf) is exerted on it.[2]

One slug is a mass equal to 32.17405 lb (14.59390 kg) based on standard gravity, the international foot, and the avoirdupois pound.[3] In other words, at the Earth's surface (in standard gravity), an object with a mass of 1 slug weighs approximately 32.17405 lbf or 143.1173 N.[4][5]

  1. ^ See Elementary High School physics and chemistry text books/fundamentals.
  2. ^ Collins, Danielle (May 2019). "How to convert between mass and force — in metric and English units". Linear Motion Tips. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  3. ^ Shigley, Joseph E. and Mischke, Charles R. Mechanical Engineering Design, Sixth ed, pp. 31–33. McGraw Hill, 2001. ISBN 0-07-365939-8.
  4. ^ Beckwith, Thomas G., Roy D. Marangoni, et al. Mechanical Measurements, Fifth ed, pp. 34-36. Addison-Wesley Publishing, 1993. ISBN 0-201-56947-7.
  5. ^ Shevell, R.S. Fundamentals of Flight, Second ed, p. xix. Prentice-Hall, 1989.