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1 kilogram is approximately equal to 0.06852 slugs.
The slug is a unit of mass primarily used in the imperial system, especially in the United States. Converting from kilograms, which belongs to the metric system, to slugs requires applying a conversion factor based on their relation to force and acceleration.
Conversion Tool
Result in slug:
Conversion Formula
To convert kilograms to slugs, the formula used is:
slug = kilogram ÷ 14.5939
This works because 1 slug is defined as the mass that accelerates by 1 ft/s² when a force of one pound-force (lbf) is applied. Since 1 kilogram equals approximately 2.20462 pounds, and gravity acceleration is about 32.174 ft/s², the conversion factor arises from the relationship between pounds, slugs, and kilograms.
Example calculation for 1 kg:
- 1 kg = 2.20462 pounds
- 1 slug = 32.174 pounds-force * second² / foot
- Using the conversion factor: 1 kg ÷ 14.5939 ≈ 0.06852 slugs
Conversion Example
- 5 kg to slugs:
- Start with 5 kilograms.
- Apply formula: 5 ÷ 14.5939 = 0.3426 slugs.
- Result: 5 kg is about 0.3426 slugs.
- 10 kg to slugs:
- Begin with 10 kilograms.
- Divide by 14.5939 → 10 ÷ 14.5939 = 0.6852 slugs.
- Thus, 10 kg equals roughly 0.6852 slugs.
- 0.5 kg to slugs:
- Take 0.5 kilograms.
- Calculate 0.5 ÷ 14.5939 = 0.03426 slugs.
- This means 0.5 kg is nearly 0.03426 slugs.
- 20 kg to slugs:
- Start from 20 kilograms.
- Divide 20 by 14.5939 → 1.3704 slugs.
- Therefore 20 kg equals about 1.3704 slugs.
- 15.75 kg to slugs:
- Use 15.75 kilograms.
- Calculate 15.75 ÷ 14.5939 = 1.0794 slugs.
- So 15.75 kg converts to approximately 1.0794 slugs.
Conversion Chart
| Kilograms (kg) | Slugs |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -1.6438 |
| -20.0 | -1.3704 |
| -15.0 | -1.0278 |
| -10.0 | -0.6852 |
| -5.0 | -0.3426 |
| -1.0 | -0.0685 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 1.0 | 0.0685 |
| 5.0 | 0.3426 |
| 10.0 | 0.6852 |
| 15.0 | 1.0278 |
| 20.0 | 1.3704 |
| 24.0 | 1.6438 |
| 26.0 | 1.7818 |
You can see how different kilogram values correspond to slugs by looking horizontally across the table. Negative values are included for completeness, representing mass values less than zero, which might be theoretical or represent certain calculations.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many slugs are in 1 kilogram exactly?
- What is the formula to convert 1 kg to slugs?
- Why does 1 kg equal about 0.0685 slugs?
- Is 1 slug heavier or lighter than 1 kilogram?
- How to convert 1 kg into slugs using a calculator?
- What is the equivalent mass in slugs for 1 kg under earth gravity?
- Can you convert 1 kilogram to slugs manually?
Conversion Definitions
Kilogram (kg): The kilogram is a metric unit of mass, defined as the base unit in the International System of Units (SI). It represents the mass of the International Prototype Kilogram, a platinum-iridium cylinder stored in France. Kilograms are widely used for mass measurement in science, commerce, and daily life.
Slug: The slug is a unit of mass in the imperial system, mostly used in the United States. It is defined as the mass that accelerates by 1 ft/s² when a force of one pound-force acts on it. This unit relates force and acceleration in the imperial measurement system and is useful in engineering and physics calculations.
Conversion FAQs
Why isn’t the conversion factor between kg and slugs a whole number?
The conversion factor 14.5939 comes from the relationship between pounds, slugs, and kilograms. Because kilograms and slugs originate from different systems with different base units for force and mass, the factor is a precise decimal rather than a whole number. This reflects the real physical constants involved.
Can the slug be used in metric system calculations?
The slug is specific to the imperial system and rarely appears in metric calculations. Using it in metric contexts can cause confusion, so converting to kilograms or grams is preferred. However, if working with imperial units of force and acceleration, the slug is appropriate.
Is the slug still widely used today?
While the slug is not as common as kilograms or pounds, it is still used in some engineering fields in the United States, especially in dynamics and mechanics problems. Many prefer SI units, but the slug remains relevant where imperial units dominate.
How precise is the conversion factor 14.5939?
The factor 14.5939 is accurate enough for most engineering and scientific calculations. Slight variations in constants like gravitational acceleration might affect the value, but they are generally negligible for practical purposes.
Does gravity affect converting kg to slugs?
Gravity affects the relationship between mass and weight but does not directly change the conversion between kilograms and slugs. Both units measure mass, so the conversion factor remains constant regardless of location or gravity variations.
