Question

In the definition of weight, w = mg, the mass m refers to a gravitational mass. Group of answer choices:

Options:
A) Rest mass
B) Inertial mass
C) Dynamic mass
D) Accelerated mass

Answer 1

Weight is the force due to gravity on an object, calculated by the product of its mass and the acceleration due to gravity. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter and remains constant, while weight can vary with gravity. This distinction is critical in scientific contexts.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term weight refers to the force of gravity acting on an object. This force is calculated by the equation w = mg, where w is the weight, m is the mass of the object, and g is the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth. Unlike mass, weight can vary depending on the gravitational pull experienced by the object. Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object and remains constant regardless of location or gravity.

In common language, mass and weight are frequently used interchangeably; however, in scientific contexts, they have distinct meanings. Mass is a measure of inertia and is expressed in kilograms, while weight is a vector quantity representing gravitational force and is measured in newtons. It is essential to use these terms correctly to avoid confusion, especially when dealing with physics problems and scientific measurements.