Find the mass by dividing by gravity?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Alethia
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the method of calculating mass from weight, specifically whether one can simply divide the weight in Newtons by the acceleration due to gravity. The scope includes conceptual understanding and technical reasoning related to gravitational acceleration.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that to find mass from weight, one can divide the weight in Newtons by the acceleration due to gravity.
  • Others clarify that the term "gravity" needs specification, as it can refer to different values depending on location.
  • One participant notes that the value of gravitational acceleration (g) is approximately 9.8 m/s², but this is contingent on being on the Earth's surface.
  • A later reply mentions that gravitational acceleration can vary significantly depending on geographic location, which may not be commonly recognized.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method of dividing weight by gravity to find mass, but there is a recognition of the variability of gravitational acceleration that introduces some uncertainty into the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is an implicit assumption that the discussion pertains to conditions on Earth, and the variability of gravitational acceleration is acknowledged but not fully explored.

Alethia
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I'm a bit curious and confused. In genereal problems, when they say that something weighs #Newtons, can you just find the mass by dividing by gravity?
 
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Originally posted by Alethia
I'm a bit curious and confused. In genereal problems, when they say that something weighs #Newtons, can you just find the mass by dividing by gravity?
You have to say what you mean by "gravity". If you mean the acceleration of gravity, then the answer is yes: Mass equals weight divided by acceleration of gravity.
 
Yes, divide the weight in Newtons by g, [tex]9.8 \frac{m}{s^2}[/tex] to get the mass in kg. This of course assumes that you are on the surface of the earth.
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by Integral
Yes, divide the weight in Newtons by g, [tex]9.8 \frac{m}{s^2}[/tex] to get the mass in kg. This of course assumes that you are on the surface of the earth.
...and in a place where G = 9.8. It varies by more than most people realize (more than I realized until someone brought it up a month ago here).
 

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