Ton: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:52, 13 February 2025

Ton[edit]

A ton is a unit of mass and weight that is commonly used in the United States and the United Kingdom. The term "ton" can refer to different measurements depending on the system of units being used. The most common types of tons are the short ton, the long ton, and the metric ton.

Types of Tons[edit]

Short Ton[edit]

The short ton is a unit of mass equal to 2,000 pounds (approximately 907.185 kilograms). It is commonly used in the United States, particularly in industries such as mining, construction, and transportation.

Long Ton[edit]

The long ton, also known as the imperial ton, is a unit of mass equal to 2,240 pounds (approximately 1,016.046 kilograms). It is used in the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth countries. The long ton is often used in shipping and maritime contexts.

Metric Ton[edit]

The metric ton, also known as the tonne, is a unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms (approximately 2,204.623 pounds). It is the standard unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI) and is used worldwide in most countries.

Historical Context[edit]

The concept of the ton has its origins in the medieval period, where it was used to describe the volume of a wine cask. The term "ton" is derived from the Latin word "tun," which referred to a large barrel. Over time, the ton evolved into a unit of weight and mass, with different definitions emerging in various regions.

Usage[edit]

Tons are used in a variety of contexts, including shipping, freight, and engineering. In the shipping industry, the ton is often used to measure the displacement of ships and the weight of cargo. In engineering, tons are used to describe the capacity of cranes and other heavy machinery.

Conversion[edit]

Converting between different types of tons and other units of mass requires knowledge of the specific definitions:

1 short ton = 2,000 pounds = 907.185 kilograms
1 long ton = 2,240 pounds = 1,016.046 kilograms
1 metric ton = 1,000 kilograms = 2,204.623 pounds

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Ton‏‎
+== Ton ==
-Ton is a unit of mass commonly used in the field of medicine to measure the weight of various substances. It is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms or 2,204.62 pounds. The term "ton" is derived from the Old English word "tunne," which means a large cask or barrel.
+[[File:One-ton_weight.svg|thumb|right|A depiction of a one-ton weight.]]
-In the medical context, the ton is often used to measure the weight of medications, chemicals, and other substances. It is important to note that the ton is a metric unit of mass and should not be confused with the imperial ton, which is equivalent to 2,240 pounds.
+A '''ton''' is a unit of [[mass]] and [[weight]] that is commonly used in the [[United States]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. The term "ton" can refer to different measurements depending on the system of units being used. The most common types of tons are the [[short ton]], the [[long ton]], and the [[metric ton]].
-The ton is commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing to measure the weight of active ingredients and excipients used in the production of medications. It is also used in laboratory settings to measure the weight of reagents and other substances used in experiments.
+=== Types of Tons ===
-In addition to its use in medicine, the ton is also used in other industries such as agriculture, construction, and transportation. For example, in agriculture, the ton is used to measure the weight of crops, fertilizers, and livestock feed. In construction, the ton is used to measure the weight of building materials such as concrete, steel, and gravel. In transportation, the ton is used to measure the weight of cargo and freight.
+==== Short Ton ====
+The '''short ton''' is a unit of mass equal to 2,000 [[pound (mass)|pounds]] (approximately 907.185 [[kilogram|kilograms]]). It is commonly used in the United States, particularly in industries such as [[mining]], [[construction]], and [[transportation]].
-Overall, the ton is a versatile unit of mass that plays a crucial role in various fields, including medicine. Its precise measurement ensures accurate dosing and formulation of medications, as well as the safe handling of chemicals and other substances.
+==== Long Ton ====
+The '''long ton''', also known as the '''imperial ton''', is a unit of mass equal to 2,240 pounds (approximately 1,016.046 kilograms). It is used in the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth countries. The long ton is often used in [[shipping]] and [[maritime]] contexts.
+==== Metric Ton ====
+The '''metric ton''', also known as the '''tonne''', is a unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms (approximately 2,204.623 pounds). It is the standard unit of mass in the [[International System of Units]] (SI) and is used worldwide in most countries.
+=== Historical Context ===
+The concept of the ton has its origins in the [[medieval]] period, where it was used to describe the volume of a [[wine]] cask. The term "ton" is derived from the [[Latin]] word "tun," which referred to a large barrel. Over time, the ton evolved into a unit of weight and mass, with different definitions emerging in various regions.
+=== Usage ===
+Tons are used in a variety of contexts, including [[shipping]], [[freight]], and [[engineering]]. In the shipping industry, the ton is often used to measure the [[displacement]] of ships and the weight of cargo. In engineering, tons are used to describe the capacity of [[cranes]] and other heavy machinery.
+=== Conversion ===
+Converting between different types of tons and other units of mass requires knowledge of the specific definitions:
+* 1 short ton = 2,000 pounds = 907.185 kilograms
+* 1 long ton = 2,240 pounds = 1,016.046 kilograms
+* 1 metric ton = 1,000 kilograms = 2,204.623 pounds
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Pound (mass)]]
+* [[Kilogram]]
+* [[International System of Units]]
+* [[Shipping]]
+* [[Freight transport]]
 [[Category:Units of mass]]
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]
+[[Category:Imperial units]]
-{{medicine-stub}}
+[[Category:Customary units of measurement in the United States]]