Weight English/metric conversion

Arts. We require a factor for conversion from English to metric weight, i.e., 1 lb = 454 g. 

Problem 1.63. How many grams are there in 1.0 lb There is no way that you can answer this question without a knowledge of the metric-to-English conversion factor for weight. Very few of us keep such information in our heads, so one generally must look up the values in a table somewhere in the book. Now is as good a time as any to become familiar with the use of the index at the end of your textbook. 

Ans. The metric-to-English conversion factor for weight is 1.0 kg = 2.2 lb (avoirdupois). The avoirdupois pound contains 16 oz (as opposed to the troy pound used in weighing precious metals, e.g., gold, platinum). 

The arbitrarily chosen standard of length of the metric system. It is the distance between two marks on a platinum-iridium bar kept at constant temperature at the International Bureau of Weights and Measures near Paris. For conversion to the English system, Im equals 39.37in., 1cm equals 39.37 x lO in., etc. 

Units are a fourth critically inportant area. The United States NASA program crashed a space craft into Mars because of failure to convert between the metric and English systems of units. Because conversion of units will remain necessary throughout your career, I have used data in the units in which they were originally presented. Thus, you must do conversions throughout the book. Although problem solutions and Appendix C show conversion factors, it is assumed that you are very familiar and proficient with unit conversions. This includes conversion from weight to mole fractions, and vice versa. 

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