Understanding Weight
Weight is the force exerted on an object by gravity. Unlike mass, which is an intrinsic property of an object, weight depends on the gravitational field the object is in. This calculator helps you determine your weight on various celestial bodies in our solar system.
The Weight Formula
The formula to calculate weight (W) is a direct application of Newton's Second Law of Motion:
W = m * g
Where:
- W is the weight, measured in Newtons (N).
- m is the mass of the object, measured in kilograms (kg).
- g is the acceleration due to gravity at the specific location, measured in meters per second squared (m/s²).
Mass vs. Weight: A Quick Refresher
It's a common point of confusion, but the distinction is crucial in physics:
- Mass is the amount of "stuff" in an object. It's constant no matter where you are. A 70 kg person has a mass of 70 kg on Earth, Mars, or in deep space.
- Weight is the gravitational pull on that mass. Since the gravitational pull of Mars is weaker than Earth's, that same 70 kg person weighs less on Mars.
This calculator defaults to showing weight in Newtons, the standard scientific unit. However, it also provides a conversion to "pounds-force" (lbf) or "kilograms-force" (kgf) for more familiar comparisons.