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Physics vocabulary · Motion and Forces

Weight

Meaning in physics, with examples

/weɪt/nounCore term

In physics, weight means: The force with which gravity pulls on an object. It equals mass times the gravitational field strength (W = mg), is measured in newtons and changes from planet to planet.

In Turkish: ağırlık

How it is used

In physics, weight is always a force acting downwards, towards the centre of the Earth. In free-body diagrams it is drawn from the centre of mass and labelled W or mg. Related phrases: apparent weight, weightlessness, weigh an object.

Example sentences

  1. A 5 kg bag has a weight of about 49 N on Earth.

  2. In a lift accelerating upwards, the scale shows a larger apparent weight.

Common collocations

  • weight of an object
  • apparent weight
  • weightlessness
  • weigh an object
  • massThe amount of matter in an object, which also measures how hard it is to change the object's motion. It is measured in kilograms (kg) and does not depend on location.
  • gravityThe attractive force that every mass exerts on every other mass. On Earth it pulls objects towards the centre of the planet and gives them weight.
  • forceA push or a pull that can change how an object moves or change its shape. It has both size and direction and is measured in newtons (N).
  • normal forceThe push from a surface on an object that rests on it or presses against it. It always acts at right angles (normal) to the surface.
  • free-body diagramA simple sketch of one object with labelled arrows for all the forces acting on it, each drawn in its own direction. It is the usual first step in solving a forces problem.

More terms: Motion and Forces

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