1. What is Weight?

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 (W = m × g). Unlike mass which is constant, weight can vary depending on the gravitational field.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the weight formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Weight (in newtons, N)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (in kilograms, kg)
• \( g \) — Acceleration due to gravity (in meters per second squared, m/s²)

Explanation: On Earth's surface, standard gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s², meaning a 1 kg mass weighs 9.8 N.

3. Importance of Weight Calculation

Details: Understanding weight is crucial in physics, engineering, and everyday life for designing structures, calculating loads, and understanding forces acting on objects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and gravity in m/s² (use 9.8 m/s² for Earth's surface). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object (constant), while weight is the force exerted on that mass by gravity (varies with location).

Q2: Why do we use 9.8 m/s² for gravity?
A: This is the average acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface. The exact value varies slightly by location (9.76-9.83 m/s²).

Q3: How would my weight change on the Moon?
A: With Moon's gravity (1.62 m/s²), your weight would be about 1/6 of your Earth weight, though your mass remains the same.

Q4: What are common weight units?
A: In physics, newtons (N) are standard. In everyday use, pounds (lb) or kilograms-force (kgf) are common, though kg is technically mass.

Q5: Can weight be zero?
A: Yes, in free-fall or space (microgravity), objects are weightless while still having mass.