Find the mass by dividing by gravity?

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SUMMARY

To find mass from weight, divide the weight in Newtons by the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth's surface. This calculation assumes the standard gravitational acceleration, but it is important to note that gravitational acceleration can vary based on location. Understanding this variation is crucial for accurate mass calculations in different environments.

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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, 9.8 \frac{m}{s^2} 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, 9.8 \frac{m}{s^2} 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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