The weight of a car is 3500 lb. Find its weight in newtons.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: 15,568.77 N
To convert the weight of a car from pounds (lb) to newtons (N), we can use the following conversion factor:
1 pound is approximately equal to 4.44822 newtons.
Calculation:
Given:
- Weight of the car = 3500 lb
Using the conversion factor:
[
\text{Weight in newtons} = \text{Weight in pounds} \times 4.44822 \, \text{N/lb}
]
Now, substituting the value:
[
\text{Weight in newtons} = 3500 \, \text{lb} \times 4.44822 \, \text{N/lb} \approx 15568.77 \, \text{N}
]
Therefore, the weight of the car in newtons is approximately 15,568.77 N.
Explanation:
Weight is a measure of the force exerted by gravity on an object. It is commonly expressed in pounds in the United States and in newtons in scientific contexts. The weight of an object can vary based on the gravitational force acting on it, which is influenced by the object’s location, such as on Earth or in space.
In the imperial system, weight is typically measured in pounds, while the metric system uses newtons. One of the key aspects of understanding these units is recognizing that they measure force.
The conversion factor from pounds to newtons (4.44822 N/lb) stems from the definition of a pound as a unit of force. The conversion allows for a clear understanding of weight across different measurement systems.
In practical terms, knowing a car’s weight in newtons can be crucial for various engineering and safety assessments, such as determining braking distances, load capacity, and the necessary strength of road infrastructure.
For example, when designing road surfaces or bridges, engineers must calculate the forces that vehicles exert on these structures to ensure safety and stability. Thus, converting between pounds and newtons provides a fundamental understanding necessary for both everyday applications and advanced engineering projects.