FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

How many pounds are in 1 ton (short ton)?

1. 1000 lb

2. 1500 lb

3. 2000 lb

4. 2500 lb

The correct answer is: 2000 lb

In the context of measurement, a short ton, commonly used in the United States, is equivalent to 2,000 pounds. This unit of measure is important in various fields, including engineering, construction, and shipping, where weight calculations are essential for material handling and logistics. Understanding the definition of a short ton is crucial; it is specifically designated as a common ton used in the U.S. and is distinct from other ton measurements, such as the long ton (which is 2,240 pounds) and the metric ton (which is approximately 2,204.62 pounds). This distinction helps to clarify the weight measurements in various contexts. Thus, recognizing that there are exactly 2,000 pounds in one short ton provides clarity and accurate information for anyone needing to convert or work with weight measurements in these contexts. This is why the answer identifying 2,000 pounds aligns accurately with the definition of a short ton.