weight
Definition
Weight is the force of gravity acting on an object. It is different from mass, which is the amount of matter in an object.
The weight of an object depends on its mass and the strength of gravity. The stronger the gravity, the more weight the object will have. For example, an object on Earth will have more weight than the same object on the Moon.
We can measure weight using a scale or a balance. A scale measures weight by comparing the force of gravity on an object to the force of a spring. A balance measures weight by comparing the mass of an object to the mass of known weights.
The weight of an object can change depending on its location. For example, an object on the Moon will have less weight than the same object on Earth.
How can the word be used?
The doctor weighed the baby.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- the force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity.
a unit of mass.
- something that weighs a certain amount.
Verb: to put weight on something.
Adjective: having a lot of weight.
Etymology
The word "weight" comes from the Old English word "wiht", which means "mass" or "importance".
The first recorded use of the word "weight" in English was in the 8th century.
Question
What is weight?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the concept of weight and how it differs from mass. Discuss the factors that influence an object's weight and the role of gravitational force in determining an object's weight on different celestial bodies.
Answer:
Weight and mass are two distinct but interconnected concepts in physics. While mass refers to the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location, weight is the force exerted on an object due to gravity and can vary depending on the strength of the gravitational pull.
The weight of an object is influenced by both its mass and the acceleration due to gravity. The formula for weight is given by W = m * g, where "W" is the weight, "m" is the mass, and "g" is the acceleration due to gravity. On Earth, the standard acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s².
The same object would weigh less on a celestial body with weaker gravity, such as the Moon or Mars, where the acceleration due to gravity is lower than on Earth. Conversely, an object would weigh more on a body with stronger gravity, such as Jupiter.
It's essential to note that while weight can vary, mass remains constant. An object's mass is the same regardless of its location in the universe.