Calculating weight An object’s weight is calculated by multiplying its mass by its gravity.
weight = mass × gravity w = mg
The force of gravity causes an acceleration of 10 m/s2 on Earth, so the weight of an object on Earth’s
surface can be calculated by multiplying its mass by 10. weight on Earth = mass × 10
EXAMPLE
Question Calculate the weight of a 40 kg person on the surface of Earth.
Solution weight on Earth = mass × 10 weight on Earth = 40 kg × 10 m/s2 weight on Earth = 400 N
FIGURE IT OUT!
1. Calculate the weight of a 50 kg astronaut on: a. Earth with a gravitational acceleration of 10 m/s2 b. Mars with a gravitational acceleration of 3.7 m/s2
2. Explain why the weight of the astronaut is different on each planet. 3. Research the planets in the solar system to find out where you would be heaviest.
Elastic objects and force
When force is applied to an elastic object, it stretches. When the force is removed, an elastic object returns to its original shape. The more force that is applied to an elastic object, the more it will move out of shape.
The elastic limit is the most you can stretch or bend an object before it cannot return to its original shape, or it breaks.
Eureka
Robert Hooke (1635–1703) proved that the extension to which an elastic object, such as a spring, stretches is proportional to the force applied to it by a weight. This is known as Hooke’s law.
: Fig. 28.10 The more force applied to a spring, the more it will extend