Weight (weight force), denoted as W, is synonymous with the gravitational force experienced by an object with mass. The force of gravity, denoted as Fg, is a constant force that pulls all objects towards the center of the Earth, and is responsible for weight. The strength of the gravitational force can be determined by multiplying an object’s mass, denoted as m, by the acceleration due to gravity, denoted as g, which is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared on the surface of the Earth. Therefore, weight is proportional to an object’s mass and the strength of the gravitational field.
Weight Force (W) = mg =Force of gravity (Fg)
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Weight Force Formula
The weight force of an object is proportional to its mass, with the formula:
Weight force = mass x gravitational acceleration
where gravitational acceleration is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared (m/s^2) on the surface of the Earth. For example, if an object has a mass of 10 kilograms, its weight force on Earth would be:
Weight force = 10 kg x 9.8 m/s^2 = 98 newtons
Therefore, the weight force of an object depends on its mass and the gravitational field strength at its location.
Daily Life Examples of Weight Force
There are numerous daily life examples of weight force. Here are a few:
- The reading on a bathroom scale is your weight force, which measures the force with which your body is being pulled towards the Earth by gravity.
- Lifting a heavy object involves experiencing its weight force, which increases with the mass of the object.
- When you drop a ball, the weight force causes it to fall towards the ground.
- Riding a rollercoaster can make you feel heavier or lighter due to changes in weight force at different points on the ride.
- When you walk or run, your weight force constantly changes and is absorbed by your joints and muscles, contributing to fatigue.
Weight Force Cases
| Example | Given | Formula | Calculation | Result |
| Earth weight force | Mass = 50 kg | Weight force = mass x gravitational acceleration | Weight force = 50 kg x 9.8 m/s^2 | 490 N |
| Moon weight force | Mass = 50 kg | Weight force = mass x gravitational acceleration | Weight force = 50 kg x 1.62 m/s^2 | 81 N |
| Force required to lift object | Weight force = 1000 N | Force applied = weight force | Force applied = 1000 N | 1000 N |
Difference Between Mass and Weight
| Concept | Mass | Weight |
| Definition | Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object. | Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. |
| Unit of measurement | Mass is typically measured in kilograms or grams. | Weight is typically measured in newtons or pounds. |
| Type of quantity | Mass is a scalar quantity. | Weight is a vector quantity. |
| Independence | Mass is an intrinsic property of an object and is independent of its location. | Weight depends on the object’s mass and the strength of the gravitational field it is in. |
More Intersecting Links
Linear Motion or Rectilinear Motion
Linear Acceleration
Uniform Circular Motion| Real-Life Examples
Kinematic Equations| Sample Problems and Solutions
Difference Between Mass and Density
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