Slug (sl) - Unit Information & Conversion
What is a Slug?
Definition
The slug is a unit of mass in the Foot-Pound-Second (FPS) system of units, primarily used in Imperial and US customary systems. It is defined as the mass that accelerates by 1 foot per second squared (1 ft/s²) when a force of one pound-force (lbf) is exerted on it. It's approximately 14.5939 kilograms.
History
The term "slug" was coined by Arthur Mason Worthington around 1900. It was derived from the concept of inertia (sluggishness) and designed to simplify calculations in Newtonian mechanics (F=ma) when using imperial units of force (lbf) and acceleration (ft/s²).
Common Uses
- Engineering (primarily aerospace and dynamics): Used in calculations involving force, mass, and acceleration within the Imperial system.
- Physics Education: Sometimes used when teaching mechanics with Imperial units.
Unit FAQs
How is the slug defined?
It's defined by Newton's second law (F=ma). 1 slug = 1 lbf / (1 ft/s²).
How many pounds-mass are in a slug?
One slug is approximately equal to 32.174 pounds-mass (lbm). This value corresponds to the standard acceleration due to gravity (g) in ft/s².
Why is the slug unit used?
It simplifies calculations in the F=ma formula when using pounds-force (lbf) and feet/second² (ft/s²) for acceleration, avoiding the need for a gravitational constant (g) in the equation.
Slug Conversion Formulas
To Kilogram:
To Gram:
To Milligram:
To Pound:
To Ounce:
To Stone:
To Ton (metric):
To Ton (US):
To Ton (UK):
To Microgram:
To Carat:
To Troy Ounce:
To Pennyweight:
To Grain:
To Dram:
To Quintal:
To Atomic Mass Unit:
To Pavan (India):
To Kati (India):
To Masha (India):
To Dina (India):
To Pras (India):
To Lota (India):
Convert Slug
Need to convert Slug to other weight units? Use our conversion tool.