Final answer:
The force due to gravity, or weight (Fg), of the 19.3 kg desk is approximately 189 newtons, calculated using the equation Fg = mg with g being 9.8 m/s² on Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked to determine the force due to gravity, or weight (Fg), of a desk that a teacher is moving across a room. The weight of an object can be calculated using the equation Fg = mg, where m is the mass of the object and g is the acceleration due to gravity. In this case, the mass m of the desk is given as 19.3 kg, and the acceleration due to gravity g is typically 9.8 m/s² on Earth's surface.
Using the equation for weight, we can calculate the gravitational force:
Fg = m × g
= 19.3 kg × 9.8 m/s²
= about 189 N
Therefore, the gravitational force (weight) acting on the desk is approximately 189 newtons.