Foot-pound force facts for kids
The foot-pound (symbol: ft·lb) is a special unit of measurement. It can describe two different things: energy and torque. Think of it as a way to measure how much work is done or how much twisting force is applied.
What is a Foot-Pound of Energy?
When we talk about a foot-pound as a unit of energy, it describes how much "work" is done. Imagine you need to lift something. One foot-pound is the energy needed to lift a one-pound-force object up by one foot.
For example, if you lift a 10-pound weight 5 feet high, you've done 50 foot-pounds of work (10 pounds x 5 feet).
Here are some ways a foot-pound of energy compares to other units:
- It is exactly 1.3558 joules. Joules are the standard unit of energy in science.
- It is about 0.3238 calories. Calories are often used to measure energy in food.
What is a Foot-Pound of Torque?
A foot-pound can also measure torque. Torque is a twisting force that makes something rotate. Imagine using a wrench to tighten a bolt.
One foot-pound of torque means you are applying a one-pound-force push at a distance of one foot from the center of what you are turning. The further away you push from the center, the more torque you create.
For example, if you push with 20 pounds of force on a wrench handle that is 1 foot long, you are creating 20 foot-pounds of torque.
Here is how a foot-pound of torque compares to another unit:
- It is exactly 1.3558 newton metres. Newton-meters are the standard unit of torque in science.
See also
In Spanish: Pie-libra fuerza para niños
