Question

We learn in General Chemistry that 1 English pound is equal to 454 grams. In physics, we will use a conversion that says 1 pound = 4.45 N. But Newtons are units of force, which is mass times acceleration, while grams are units of mass only. Explain this disparity.

Answer 1

In physics, the pound is used as a unit of force, whereas in general chemistry, the pound is used as a unit of mass. This disparity arises because weight is a force that is dependent on both mass and acceleration due to gravity.

Step-by-step explanation:

In physics, the pound is used as a unit of force, whereas in general chemistry, the pound is used as a unit of mass.

This disparity arises because weight, which is measured in pounds, is a force that is dependent on both mass and acceleration due to gravity. The conversion factor of 1 pound = 4.45 N in physics takes into account the acceleration due to gravity to convert mass into force.