slug | |
---|---|
Unit system | British Gravitational system |
Unit of | Mass |
Symbol | slug |
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]