Weight
Weight is basically the force that an object experiences due to gravitational acceleration.
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Weight has a symbol: W.
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Weight is the amount of gravitational force that acts on an object.
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Weight is a quantity that can be calculated using the formula:
Weight=mass×acceleration due to gravity\text{Weight} = \text{mass} \times \text{acceleration due to gravity} Weight=mass×acceleration due to gravity
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The short form of the formula is:
W=mgW = mgW=mg
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Weight is considered a vector quantity as it has both magnitude and direction.
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The direction of weight is towards the center of gravity.
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The unit of weight is Newton (N).
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Weight varies depending on the planet's gravitational pull.
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In space, the weight of an object becomes zero because there is no gravity acting on it.
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Weight can be measured using a spring balance.
Examples of Weight Calculation
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Pen – Mass = 0.2 kg, g = 10 m/s⊃2;
- W=0.2×10=2NW = 0.2 \times 10 = 2 \text{N}W=0.2×10=2N
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Glass – Mass = 0.5 kg, g = 10 m/s⊃2;
- W=0.5×10=5NW = 0.5 \times 10 = 5 \text{N}W=0.5×10=5N
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Lamp – Mass = 3 kg, g = 10 m/s⊃2;
- W=3×10=30NW = 3 \times 10 = 30 \text{N}W=3×10=30N
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Tire – Mass = 6 kg, g = 10 m/s⊃2;
- W=6×10=60NW = 6 \times 10 = 60 \text{N}W=6×10=60N
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Cycle – Mass = 3 kg, g = 10 m/s⊃2;
- W=3×10=30NW = 3 \times 10 = 30 \text{N}W=3×10=30N
LibreTexts. (n.d.). 7.2: Force, mass, and weight. Physics LibreTexts. Retrieved August 17, 2025, from