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Weight Formula:
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Weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity. It is calculated as the product of an object's mass and the acceleration due to gravity. Unlike mass (which is constant), weight can vary depending on the gravitational field strength.
The calculator uses the weight formula:
Where:
Explanation: The weight of an object is directly proportional to both its mass and the gravitational acceleration acting upon it.
Details: Calculating weight is fundamental in physics, engineering, and everyday life. It helps determine the force objects exert on surfaces, structural load capacities, and is essential for designing everything from buildings to spacecraft.
Tips: Enter the mass in kilograms and the gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² for Earth). For other planets, use their specific gravity values (e.g., 1.62 m/s² for the Moon, 3.71 m/s² for Mars).
Q1: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object (constant everywhere), while weight is the force exerted on that mass by gravity (varies with location).
Q2: Why is Earth's gravity 9.81 m/s²?
A: This value represents the average acceleration due to Earth's gravitational pull at sea level, varying slightly by location (9.78-9.83 m/s²).
Q3: How would my weight change on other planets?
A: Your mass stays the same, but weight changes with different gravity. For example, you'd weigh about 1/6th on the Moon what you do on Earth.
Q4: Can weight be negative?
A: No, weight is always a positive value representing a force magnitude. In free-fall, apparent weight may be zero.
Q5: Why do we use newtons for weight?
A: Newtons are the SI unit for force, and weight is fundamentally a force. Kilograms are often used colloquially for weight, but technically they measure mass.