Convert the following quantities to SI units of newtons and kilonewtons:
a. 248 lb
b. 3.65 kips
c. 8.7 tons
The correct answer and explanation is :
Conversion to SI Units (Newtons and Kilonewtons)
Given Quantities:
a) 248 lb
b) 3.65 kips
c) 8.7 tons
Conversion Factors:
- 1 lb = 4.44822 N
- 1 kip (1000 lb) = 4448.22 N
- 1 ton (US) = 8896.44 N
Converted Values:
- 248 lb
- In Newtons:
( 248 \times 4.44822 = 1103.16 ) N - In Kilonewtons:
( 1103.16 \div 1000 = 1.10 ) kN
- 3.65 kips
- In Newtons:
( 3.65 \times 4448.22 = 16236.00 ) N - In Kilonewtons:
( 16236.00 \div 1000 = 16.24 ) kN
- 8.7 tons
- In Newtons:
( 8.7 \times 8896.44 = 77399.03 ) N - In Kilonewtons:
( 77399.03 \div 1000 = 77.40 ) kN
Explanation:
The SI unit of force is the Newton (N), which is defined as the force required to accelerate a 1 kg mass by 1 m/s². In many engineering applications, particularly in structural and mechanical systems, forces are also expressed in kilonewtons (kN), where 1 kN = 1000 N.
- Pounds (lb) and kips (1000 lb) are commonly used in the United States, but they must be converted to Newtons when working in SI units.
- Tons (US tons) are also used in force calculations, particularly in construction and structural engineering.
Understanding these conversions is essential for engineers and scientists working with international standards, as SI units are the global standard for scientific and engineering measurements.