Hibbeler Statics 14e: Problem 1-20 Page 1 of 1

Problem 1-20
If a man weighs 155 lb on earth, specify (a) his mass in slugs, (b) his mass in kilograms, and (c)
his weight in newtons. If the man is on the moon, where the acceleration due to gravity is
gm = 5.30 ft/s2 , determine (d) his weight in pounds, and (e) his mass in kilograms.

Solution

The formula for the weight is

W = mg,
where m is the mass and g is the acceleration due to gravity.

Part (a)

The man’s mass is

W 155 lb
m= = ≈ 4.81 slugs.
g 32.2 sft2
Part (b)

Use the conversion factor in Table 1-2 on page 9 to convert pounds to newtons.
4.448 N
W 155 lb × 1lb
m= = m ≈ 70.3 kg
g 9.81 s2

Part (c)

The weight in newtons is

4.448 N
155 lb × ≈ 689 N.
1 lb
Part (d)

Multiply the man’s mass by the moon’s acceleration due to gravity to get his weight on the moon.
 
ft
Wm = mgm ≈ (4.81 slugs) 5.30 2 ≈ 25.5 lb
s

Part (e)

Multiply the man’s mass by the moon’s acceleration due to gravity to get his weight on the moon.
 
ft 1m
Wm = mgm ≈ (70.3 kg) 5.30 2 × ≈ 114 N
s 3.28 ft

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