Final answer:
The weight of a 42 kg student on Earth is 411.6 newtons, calculated by the formula w = mg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The weight of an object on Earth can be found by multiplying the object's mass by the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.80 m/s². For a student with a mass of 42 kilograms, the calculation of weight would be as follows: w = mg = (42 kg)(9.80 m/s²) = 411.6 newtons. This calculation takes gravity as a positive value since it is pulling the object down toward the surface of the Earth. Therefore, the correct answer to what is the weight of the student on Earth is D) 411.6 newtons.