Chapter 3, Problem 25A

Calculate in newtons the weight of a 2.5-kg melon. What is its weight in pounds?

To determine

The weight of a melon in Newton and pounds.

Answer to Problem 25A

The weight of the melon in Newton is $24.5\text{ N}$

The weight of the melon in pounds is $1.136\text{lbs}$

Explanation of Solution

Given:

A melon has a mass of 2.5-kg

Formula used The weight of an object is the force it experiences due to the force of gravity exerted by earth on it. It can be expressed as,

  $W=mg$

Here, mass is expressed in kilograms and the acceleration due to gravity on earth is considered which is $g=9.8{\text{ m/s}}^2$

Now, pounds are a measure of the quantity of matter on the surface of earth. It is related to kilogram as,

  $1\text{kg}=2.2\text{ lbs}$

Calculation The mass of the melon is given as 2.5-kg. Thus, the weight in Newton can be obtained as,

  $\begin{array}{c}W=2.5\times 9.8\\ =24.5\text{ N}\end{array}$

Now, the weight of the melon in pounds is given by,

  $\begin{array}{c}{W}_p=\frac{2.5}{2.2}\\ =1.136\text{ lbs}\end{array}$

Conclusion :

The weight of melon in Newton is 24.5 N and in pounds is 1.136 lbs.