Home
Back
Weight Formula:
| From: | To: |
The weight formula calculates the force exerted by gravity on an object. While mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object (constant), weight depends on both mass and the gravitational acceleration at that location.
The calculator uses the weight formula:
Where:
Explanation: On Earth's surface, standard gravity is approximately 9.81 m/s², but this value varies slightly by location and altitude.
Details: Understanding the difference between mass and weight is fundamental in physics and engineering. Weight calculations are essential for structural design, aerospace applications, and understanding forces in various gravitational environments.
Tips: Enter mass in kilograms and gravitational acceleration in m/s². For Earth's surface, use the default value of 9.81 m/s². For other planets or locations, adjust the gravity value accordingly.
Q1: What's the difference between mass and weight?
A: Mass is the amount of matter in an object (constant), while weight is the force exerted on that mass by gravity (varies with location).
Q2: Why is g approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth?
A: This is the average gravitational acceleration at Earth's surface, which varies slightly due to factors like altitude and latitude.
Q3: How does weight change on different planets?
A: Weight changes because gravitational acceleration differs. For example, on Mars (g ≈ 3.71 m/s²), objects weigh about 38% of their Earth weight.
Q4: What units are used for weight calculation?
A: In the SI system, mass is measured in kilograms (kg) and weight in Newtons (N). 1 N = 1 kg·m/s².
Q5: Can mass be zero?
A: No, mass is a fundamental property of matter and cannot be zero for physical objects. Weight can be zero in microgravity environments.