Does a Falling Object Possess Weight?

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    Falling Weight
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A falling object does possess weight, defined as the force exerted by gravity on its mass. The confusion arises from the distinction between weight and apparent weight during free fall. While an object has mass and is accelerating due to gravity, its apparent weight becomes zero when in free fall, similar to the experience in an elevator accelerating downward. This is because weight is measured by the force acting on an object, which is not felt during free fall. Understanding this difference clarifies why the answer to whether a falling object possesses weight can be misleading.
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Homework Statement


Does a falling object posses weight?


Homework Equations


F=mg


The Attempt at a Solution



I thought yes because it still has a mass and is accelerating due to gravity. However, the answer is No. If anyone could shed some light on this I would greatly appreciate it.
 
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firstly, define weight
 
Last edited:
The legend said:
firstly, define weight

the force on an object due to a gravitational field...

Weight = mass of the object x acceleration due to gravity...

But I still don't know why the answer is no...
Obviously the object still has mass so therefore the acceleration due to gravity must be zero...but I don't understand why it is zero. ;D
 
Not exactly ...
Weight is the force exerted on you by a bathroom scale. Your weight increases when you are in an elevator which is accelerated upward; you weigh less than your normal weight when the elevator is accelerating downward, and your weight is zero when the elevator is in free fall. When you hang from a rope, your weight is indicated by the tension in the rope.

http://videolectures.net/mit801f99_lewin_lec07/
Now, do you get it?
 
yer. thanks :D
 

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