The answer depends on whether you're referring to force or mass.
The reference provided states that pounds are used for both mass and force. To differentiate:
- lbm is often used to denote pounds of mass.
- lbf is often used to denote pounds of force.
Understanding the Difference
It's crucial to distinguish between mass and force, especially in physics and engineering.
- Mass is a measure of an object's inertia or resistance to acceleration.
- Force is an interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object.
Under Earth's gravity, the relationship is that 1 lbm weighs 1 lbf. This relationship is why the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in everyday situations on Earth. However, it's important to be precise in technical contexts.
Summary
| Unit | Represents | Description |
|---|---|---|
| lbm | Mass | Pounds of mass |
| lbf | Force | Pounds of force |
